Born: 06/10/1978
Turned pro: 1997
Division: Light-welterweight
Record: 39-0
Alias: The Hitman
Height: 5ft 7in
Reach: 66in
Trainer: Billy Graham


Manchester's Ricky Hatton may be quiet, respectful and unassuming out of the ring, but inside it is one of Boxing's most ferocious competitors. After a
glittering amateur career which saw him capture a bronze medal at the world amateur championships in 1996, Hatton turned pro to much acclaim in September 1997.

After reeling off 21 straight wins, Hatton seized the vacant British light-welterweight title in October 2000 by outpointing Jonathan Thaxton following a bloody battle after Hatton sustained a horrendous cut 15 seconds into the fight.

Continuing to deliver performances beyond his years, Hatton grabbed the WBU's version of the world title by destroying Tony Pep in five rounds in
March 2001. It was a performance which established Hatton as one of the world's finest prospects as he despatched his seasoned opponent to the canvas three times.

After emphatically decisioning Ghana's dangerous Ben Tackie in December 2003

Hatton was ready for the best in the world, but he had to wait another 18 months for his long awaited opportunity to arrive.

Already firmly established as Britain's most exciting fighter, in June Ricky Hatton established himself as arguably Britain's best fighter when he
stopped pound-for-pound legend Kostya Tszyu to capture the IBF light-welterweight title.

In a spectacular performance the all-action Hatton didn't just beat Tszyu -he forced the great champion to quit on his stool at the end of the
eleventh round. A world of opportunities has truly opened up for Ricky - who was typically modest in triumph - and no one can begrudge the likeable
Hatton any of his success.

Not content with merely capturing a major world title, Hatton is intent on proving that he is the finest 140lbs talent in his division. "The Hitman"
begins with a unification matchup with current WBA ruler Carlos Maussa at Sheffield's Hallam FM Arena on November 26, promoted by Fight Academy.