by James Slater – On the day of the Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey fight – Pacquiao being the last man to share a ring with him – news has broken that says Ricky Hatton will hold a press conference next week to officially announce his retirement from boxing. This is the word that is currently doing the rounds on the net, and Sky Sports News is where the story came from.
Reportedly, Hatton, 31, began training for his planned summer return against Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez, but was simply unable to push himself through another camp.. Hatton is said to be “absolutely devastated” at the realisation that he is no longer able to get himself in fighting shape, and has accepted that retiring is the only options he has.
Hatton flew to Tenerife a few days ago, breaking off his poor training camp as a result, with the hope that a short break would recharge the batteries. However, since arriving in Tenerife Hatton acknowledged that the old spark would never return. Hatton’s brother and current Welterweight contender Mathew Hatton, spoke of how it was clear and undeniable that something was “missing” from his brother in the recent training sessions he shared with him.
Sky News reports how Ricky’s main fear is of letting down his fans by not being able to give his all in a fight and that the recent failed attempt at getting himself back into top shape convinced “The Hitman” to call it a day.
We still have to wait for the press conference to hear the fighter announce his plans personally (as has also been reported, Hatton has changed his mind many times when thinking about fighting on or retiring, so it is possible, though extremely doubtful, that Ricky could have yet another change of heart), but it does seem as though the brutal 2nd-round KO the Manchester warrior suffered at the hands of Pac-Man will be Hatton’s final fight.
His army of adoring fans will be sad to see Hatton go, yet if he cannot do it anymore there is simply no point in him trying to fight on – even against a “safe” opponent; which the excellent Marquez clearly is not.
Hatton will remain in boxing as a promoter, while his brother is soon to fight for the European title at 147-pounds. Hatton’s final record reads an impressive 45-2(32). Only Floyd Mayweather Junior and Pacquiao, both pound-for-pound entrants at the time, defeated him in a twelve year pro career that began with a 1st-round TKO victory way back in September of 1997. Hatton won world titles at 140 and 147-pounds.
Enjoy your retirement, Ricky!