Ricky Hatton
Great Britain

  • Full name Ricky Hatton
  • Birth date October 6, 1978
  • Birth place Stockport
  • Current age 45 years 165 days
  • Height 5 ft 6 in
Ricky Hatton looks on after defeat to Manny Pacquiao
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Former two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton ended his retirement in September 2012.

His first major victory came in 2005, when he defied the odds to overcome Kostya Tszyu of Australia and win the IBF Light Welterweight title. The Hitman won via a 12th round technical knockout after his opponent failed to answer the bell, a victory that signalled Hatton's arrival in boxing's elite.

Despite a move to welterweight in 2006, Luis Collazo was dispatched via unanimous decision as Hatton's rapid ascent into British boxing folklore continued apace. Setbacks were to follow, however, notably in 2007's bout against Floyd Mayweather Jnr.

With Hatton once again fighting in the welterweight division, the match-up between two unbeaten fighters provoked much fanfare. It was Hatton's unblemished record that fell after a tenth round stoppage.

Following a break, Hatton returned to light-welterweight and completed two routine victories over Juan Lazcano and Paulie Malignaggi. There was nothing straightforward about his next opponent: the formidable Manny Pacquiao. Hatton was outclassed, being knocked out in the second round by the Filipino.

He had his boxing licence revoked in September 2010 after being pictured in the News of the World apparently snorting cocaine, and subsequently checked into The Priory in order to undergo treatment for severe depression and excessive alcohol consumption.

In July 2011, he announced his retirement from boxing, apparently finishing with a record of 45-2 (32 KOs). However, over a year later, he announced his plans to return to the sport.

After months of speculation, Hatton confirmed that he was to relaunch his boxing career at the MEN Arena, selling out the venue before his comeback opponent had even been named.

Vyacheslav Senchenko was chosen for the November bout, and though Hatton made a bright start against the unheralded Ukrainian his timing looked poor and, as the 10-round fight wore on, the years away from the ring began to take their toll.

Senchenko landed a sickening body blow in the eighth round - a Hatton signature in his pomp - from which the Mancunian could not get up. A tearful Hatton immediately announced his final retirement from the sport.

"I needed one more fight to see if I had still got it, and I haven't," Hatton said. "I found out tonight it isn't there no more."

Career high: A surprising triumph over Kostya Tszyu

Career low: The second-round knockout against Pacquiao

Quote: Hatton reveals his usual post-fight diet: "I'm going to say hello to two friends who I've shut out of my life for the past 10 weeks while I trained the hardest I've ever done for a fight. So welcome back Mr Guinness and Mr Dom Perignon."

Trivia: Hatton received the award of MBE for services to sport in the 2007 New Year's Honours List

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Nov 24, 2012

Ricky Hatton collapses in the ring

Nov 24, 2012

Ricky Hatton speaks to the media to announce his retirement

Nov 24, 2012

Ricky Hatton looks dejected in defeat

Nov 24, 2012

Ricky Hatton on the floor after a winning body shot

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