Hatton: Quitting the ring

Former two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton has finally announced his retirement from boxing on Thursday.

The 32-year-old has not fought since his defeat to Manny Pacquaio – although has also refused to confirm he had hung up his gloves.

However despite being linked with several big-name fights since, most notably against – Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr – the Hitman has now called time on his glittering 14-year professional career.

Hatton said: “I am very upset. It’s a very sad day for me.

“I know it is the right decision, though. I’ve known it was the right thing to do for 18 months to be honest.

Relief

“It’s a bit of a relief to finally do it. It’s been hovering over my head for such a long time.

“These last two years have been really frustrating. I hit rock bottom and it almost drove me insane.

“I am very upset. It’s a very sad day for me. I know it is the right decision, though. I’ve known it was the right thing to do for 18 months to be honest.” Ricky Hatton Quotes of the week

“There’s nothing more I love than training for a fight but I have no dreams left now.”

Hatton’s retirement signals the end of a dramatic career that has seen him achieve success at welterweight and light-welterweight level.

Hatton beat Jon Thaxton to become the British light-welterweight champion in 2000 and went on to dominate the division, with his most notable victory at that weight coming in 2005 against IBF champion Kostya Tszyu.

Reputation

Hatton then beat Carlos Maussa before moving up to welterweight where he defeated Luis Collazo to claim the WBA title.

Rapidly earning a reputation as one of Britain’s most popular sportsmen, Hatton went on to challenge WBC kingpin Mayweather in Las Vegas – only to be stopped in the 10th round.

Undeterred by his first loss in boxing, Hatton returned to winning ways with victories over Juan Lazcano and Paulie Malignaggi before facing pound-for-pound champion Pacquiao.

The two met at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in May 2009, when Hatton was knocked out cold in the second round to leave the Mancunian with a 45-2, 32KOs record.

Since then, Hatton has gone on to become a successful promoter – while he has helped guide brother Matthew’s career.

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