Ricky Hatton

Biography

Richard John Hatton MBE (born 6 October 1978) is a British former professional boxer who competed from 1997 to 2012. He won world championships at light-welterweight and welterweight and is ranked by BoxRec as the 11th greatest European boxer of all time and the 5th greatest British boxer of all time, pound for pound.

Hatton's career highlights include:
- Winning the British, WBU (15 defences), IBF, Ring, and lineal light-welterweight titles
- Defeating Kostya Tszyu by 11th-round TKO to win the IBF, Ring, and lineal titles in 2005
- Becoming a unified light-welterweight champion by defeating Carlos Maussa for the WBA (Super) title in 2005
- Winning the WBA welterweight title from Luis Collazo in 2006
- Regaining the IBF and winning the IBO light-welterweight titles in 2007

Hatton suffered his first defeat against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007 when challenging for the WBC, Ring, and lineal welterweight titles. He lost to Manny Pacquiao in 2009, relinquishing his IBO, Ring, and lineal light-welterweight titles.

After a three-year hiatus, Hatton returned for one final fight in 2012, losing to Vyacheslav Senchenko. He immediately announced his retirement with a record of 45 wins (32 KOs) and three losses.

Hatton is known for his aggressive pressure-fighting style and large, passionate fanbase. He struggled with alcohol, drug abuse, and depression, especially after his losses. Since retiring, he has worked as a boxing promoter and trainer.