In Loving memory of British Boxing legend Ricky Hatton
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Just four days before his passing, Ricky sat down with Darren Barker for what would become his last ever conversation on camera with the tragic and heart breaking news that Ricky had passed away. However with the blessing of Ricky’s family and team and their request for us to share this episode with the world for the fans and his legacy. We share this with the boxing world — not as an ending, but as a celebration of Ricky’s incredible life, his legacy, and his love for the fans who stood by him from day one.
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Ricky speaks with the honesty, humour, and humility that made him the People’s Champion. He opens up about growing up on a council estate in Hattersley, discovering boxing as a way to deal with school bullies, and carrying a loyal fanbase from the pub coaches of Manchester all the way to Las Vegas. He relives the iconic night he beat Kostya Tszyu, the heartbreak of fighting Floyd Mayweather, the devastation of the Pacquiao knockout, and his proudest achievement — not belts, but the love of the people.
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Ricky always said he didn’t want to be remembered as the best — just as one of the boys, one of the people. To millions, he will forever be remembered as exactly that. A world champion, a Manchester hero, and one of the most loved fighters British boxing has ever known.
This is more than an interview. It is Ricky Hatton’s final message, in his own words.
❤️ Rest in peace, Ricky. The People’s Champion. Forever loved.


If you’ve been impacted by any of the topics discussed in this interview, please don’t face it alone, speaking to someone is the best thing you can do! We’ve included links below to trusted charities and organisations that can offer support:

Mind support line

Call Mind's support line on 0300 102 1234.

This is a safe space for you to talk about your mental health. Our advisors are trained to listen to you and help you find specialist support if you need it.
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Samaritans

You can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year:

Call 116 123 (free from any phone)
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SANEline

If you're experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10pm every day).
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Shout

If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.
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🙏 Thank You, Ricky
You will forever be remembered as more than a world champion. You was the lad next door, the man of the people, and the fighter who brought Manchester to Las Vegas. your spirit, your humour, and your love for the fans will live on forever.
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0:00 – Intro & tribute
2:34 – Legacy & fans
4:04 – Heroes & inspiration
7:36 – School bullying → boxing
9:34 – Carpet fitting accident
13:32 – Amateur career & turning pro
17:26 – Early fights & MSG debut
23:43 – Building a fanbase
28:36 – Cuts & Thaxton war
37:54 – Why Witter never happened
42:08 – Knockdown vs Magee
46:16 – Road to Kostya Tszyu
53:43 – Breaking Tszyu down
57:54 – Life after Tszyu
1:03:48 – Collazo & Castillo
1:05:49 – Facing Mayweather
1:09:22 – First defeat & comeback
1:13:42 – Pacquiao KO
1:16:03 – Struggles & darkest days
1:20:27 – Rebuilding life & helping others
1:23:39 – Best opponents
1:26:41 – Proudest achievements
1:27:53 – Comeback exhibitions
1:29:15 – Reflections & gratitude


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