Ricky Hatton Inducted Into Boxing’s International Hall Of Fame – ‘Legend, Well Deserved’
Ricky Hatton has been inducted into the 2024 Boxing International Hall of Fame.
Hatton was honored at the ceremony in the United States which took place at Canastota, New York, on June 9. Hatton had a stellar career, winning belts at junior welterweight and welterweight, taking him to 43-0. That is when he faced the biggest fight of his career against Floyd Mayweather. Hatton, unfortunately, suffered a tenth-round TKO loss. He was never the same fighter, losing two out of his next four fights as he retired. One of those losses was a devastating knockout defeat to Manny Pacquiao in the second round. Hatton would retire with a 45-3 record, leaving many iconic moments in his career.
Hatton’s Feat
“I had some wars, didn’t I? When I think back at the Kostya Tszyu fight, Floyd Mayweather fight, Manny Pacquiao fight and my toughest fight, my divorce,” Hatton said
Elsewhere, Jane Couch was also inducted. She was the first British woman to join, making her only the tenth female overall in the modern era. Couchs’ career ended with a 28-11 record, winning belts at junior welterweight. She became the first to be given a pro licence to box in the UK. She took the British Boxing Board of Control through the courts, forcing them to licence her and stop the ban on women fighting.
Other Inductees
“I’ve got a habit of being the first, haven’t I? It’s a bit surreal really – I mean there’s Ali, [Joe] Frazier in there. It takes a while to sink in. When you look at women’s boxing in the UK, well I suppose I did do it [have a huge impact].
“I just realised how hard I did work and had to travel abroad to do it as well. A lot of the decisions that could have gone my way if I was at home. I was a bit of a warrior, stubborn, I just wanted to make a difference and I certainly did that. But 39 pro fights, five world titles, the MBE and now the Hall of Fame – wow,” Couch revealed
Michael Moorer was also recognized. Moorer became a light heavyweight champion by stopping Ramzi Hassan in his 12th bout. He then moved up to heavyweight, becoming the first ever southpaw to win a belt, getting the WBO belt against Bert Cooper. Moore ended his career with a record of 52-4-1. He has had 28 surgeries, losing the ability to smell or taste. That is why he has called on the boxing authorities to do more to protect fighters.
“The toll on a fighter’s body persists long after they hang up their gloves. I am just one of the many retired fighters who have been left to deal with a long list of injuries without any meaningful insurance assistance,” Moorer said
The Rest
Ivan Calderon [boxer, men’s modern category]
Diego Corrales [boxer, men’s modern category]
Ana Maria Torres [boxer, women’s modern category]
Luis Angel Firpo [boxer, elected from the old-timer category]
Theresa Kibby [boxer, elected from the women’s trailblazer category]
Kenny Adams [trainer]
Jackie Kallen [the first female manager inducted]
Fred Sternburg [longtime publicist]
Nick Charles [broadcaster]
Wallace Matthews [journalist]
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