Ricky Hatton 45-2 (32) has had an excellent career. Despite many people saying how overrated he is over the years, it is a fact that only the 2 best pound for pound fighters in the world have beaten him. On his resume he has wins over Paulie Malignaggi, Juan Lazcano, Jose Luis Castillo, Juan Urango, Luis Collazo on top of his thrilling win over Kostya Tszyu.

Hatton looked very good against Malignaggi

No Hatton is not an all time great, in fact far from it. However he is a very good fighter. However due to his down to earth nature and the fact that throughout his career he has made time for every fan that has supported him he is a national icon in this country. Due to his cleverness and storytelling skill, work on the after dinner speaking circuit will ensure that Hatton never has to work in an office or factory for the rest of his life.

When Hatton announced that he would fight on a couple of months ago, many people shouted it was the wrong decision and that Hatton was past his sell by date. I took a different take on matters. My opinion was that Hatton was only 31 years old and his performance against Paulie Malignaggi in the fight before the disaster against Pacquaio showed that he can still beat all but the very best. A fight against Juan Manuel Marquez as had been mooted seemed a good 50-50 pick em fight that at the very least would let Ricky go out on his shield.

Now though, reports are surfacing that Hatton has been struggling in training. Allegedly he has curtailed training to go on a stag do with some friends. His brother Matthew , today ( when promoting his upcoming European title bout ) admitted “there is something not quite right in the gym, the spark is missing” in reference to his brother.

I don’t blame Ricky for partying. He deserves it. However, that should be reserved for retirement or between fights. Boxing is not the sort of sport to participate in half-heartedly. Ricky up to now has never treated his training like that and now is the time to knock his career on the head if he trains half-cocked. Boxing is arguably the most dangerous sport in the World and the past is full of fighters getting  knocked over when way past their best. Take “Sugar” Ray Leonard for example. A great fighter but he must have known that he was completely shot when training in the lead up to his last bout against Hector Camacho. That said, he persevered and took a shellacking off a fighter who wouldn’t have lived with him in his prime. The same can be said for Ali when he came back against Larry Holmes. The difference though is that Ali and Leonard  were all time greats and their legacies were secure. Another painful knockout defeat to Hatton could seriously devalue any legacy that Ricky has built.

The good thing with Hatton is his family and friends. They care for him far more than a boxers normal entourage of hangers on. I am pretty sure his father will have a quiet word with him as will a few close friends. I am sure their words will have much more of an effect that an article like this from a humble boxing fans.

Thanks for the good times Ricky.

1. Ricky Hatton Could Call It Quits