By James Slater: Just short of two full years on from his brutal and painful loss to Manny Pacquiao, British megastar and former two-weight world ruler Ricky Hatton has finally been able to announce he will never fight again. Since the loss to Pac-Man, just the second pro defeat of the 32-year-old’s career, there has been almost constant speculation as to whether of not the light-welterweight sensation will box again – maybe in a “farewell” fight. But now, from “The Hitman” himself, comes confirmation that this will not be the case.
“I wake up every morning and still miss it,” Hatton told The Mirror. “But the one good thing I do have is something between my ears despite all the hard fights. If the fire isn’t burning to get up and run and then spar and make the other sacrifices, then I’ve got to call it a day. After the Pacquiao fight I was sulking, depressed and drowning my sorrows. Depression and a few pints is definitely not a good mixture.
“I haven’t coped well with retiring, but you have to hit rock bottom before you get back into gear – which is what I’ve done. It still breaks my heart to think I won’t fight again, but at least I’m man enough to admit it now.”
Now enjoying his time as a successful promoter, Hatton has seemingly beaten the demons that attacked him shortly after the crushing 2nd-round loss to Pac-Man. After a well-publicised stay in rehab that came after he fell into a seriously-spiralling drink and drugs binge, Hatton is now “in a good place” and, as he says, “man enough” to admit his fighting days are over.
It’s surely a tough thing for any former world champion to turn down big-money offers to fight again (offers Hatton has certainly had), and Hatton must be applauded for not attempting to recapture past glories when he knows he would not be able to. Hatton, always a fan-favourite, will not cheat his loyal followers with a failure of a comeback.
It is to be hoped Ricky has a long and happy retirement. Hatton leaves the rough side of the ropes with a fine 45-2(32) record.
Among Hatton’s career highlights are:
A June 2005 11th-round retirement win over the great Kostya Tszyu.
Receiving Ring Magazine’s FOTY award for 2005.
A successful May 2006 move up to welterweight, with a WBA title win over Luis Collazo: WU12.
A June 2007, one-punch KO win over Mexican legend Jose Luis Castillo.
Five amazing headlining nights in Las Vegas!
Thanks for the memories, Ricky!