Hatton’s heroics made him a true Mancunian legend

ON this day in 2011, Ricky Hatton announced he was calling time on his glittering career after 14 years as a professional.

Here, we take a look at some of the Hyde Hitman’s most notable fights.

■ KOSTYA TSZYU

WHAT is widely regarded as Hatton’s most iconic victory came at the Manchester Arena in June 2005 when he claimed the IBF lightwelterweight title from legend Tszyu. A superb performance from the Hitman left his opponent quitting on his stool at the end of the 11th round, causing mass celebrations among the thousands there.

■ CARLOS MAUSSA

FIVE months later, Hatton added the WBA light-welterweight crown to his IBF belt with victory over Maussa in Sheffield. Undeterred by cuts sustained early on, Hatton knocked the Colombian out in the ninth round with a thunderous left hook.

■ LUIS COLLAZO

STEPPING up to welterweight for his next fight in May 2006, Hatton produced a display in Boston that was below his best but still landed him another world title. Having floored Collazo in the opening round, Hatton was then given a testing time by the New Yorker before being declared the winner via unanimous decision and new WBA champion.

■ FLOYD MAYWEATHER

HATTON followed the Collazo fight with light-welterweight victories in the United States over Juan Urango reclaiming the IBF belt - and Jose Luis Castillo before suffering the first defeat of his career as Mayweather got the better of him in Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena in December 2007. The Briton’s bid to take the WBC welterweight title from

Ricky Hatton celebrates his win over Juan Lazcano

the unbeaten American ended in the 10th round after he was sent to the canvas.

■ MANNY PACQUIAO

HAVING triumphed against Paulie Malignaggi at the same venue just under a year later, Hatton fought at the MGM Grand for a third time in May 2009 when he took on Pacquiao.

The contest ended abruptly with Pacquiao delivering a stunning second-round knockout, and Hatton did not fight again before his retirement announcement in 2011.

In 2012 he made a brief return to the ring, losing against Vyacheslav Senchenko in Manchester and announcing immediately afterwards that he would now hang up his gloves.

He bowed out with a record of 45-3, with 32 KOs and a legion of fans.