Ricky Hatton's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 16, 2025

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Ricky Hatton. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Ricky Hatton, a British professional boxer active from 1997 to 2012, achieved considerable success, earning nicknames like "The Hitman" and "The People's Champion." He held multiple light-welterweight world championships and one welterweight title. Hatton received Fighter of the Year awards from The Ring, the Boxing Writers Association of America, and ESPN in 2005. Post-retirement, he transitioned into boxing promotion and training.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

September 1997: Professional Debut

On September 11, 1997, Hatton made his professional debut against Colin McAuley, winning by TKO in the first round.

May 1999: WBO Inter-Continental Title

In May 1999, Hatton secured his first international title by defeating Dillon Carew for the WBO inter-continental light-welterweight title.

2000: British Light Welterweight Title

In 2000, Hatton secured the British light welterweight title.

March 2001: WBU Title Claim

In March 2001, Hatton claimed the vacant WBU title, defeating Tony Pep.

2001: WBU Title Win

In 2001, Hatton claimed the World Boxing Union (WBU) title.

2004: Fifteen WBU Defenses

From 2001 to 2004, Hatton made a record fifteen successful defenses of the WBU title.

June 2005: Defeating Kostya Tszyu

On June 5, 2005, Hatton defeated IBF and The Ring champion Kostya Tszyu by TKO, marking a significant entry into the world boxing scene.

November 2005: WBA Light-Welterweight Title

On November 26, 2005, Hatton secured the WBA light-welterweight title by defeating Carlos Maussa in the ninth round of a unification bout.

2005: Defeating Kostya Tszyu

In 2005, Hatton reached the pinnacle of his career by defeating Kostya Tszyu for the International Boxing Federation (IBF), Ring and lineal titles, followed by victory over Carlos Maussa for the World Boxing Association (WBA) title to become a unified light-welterweight world champion.

2005: Fighter of the Year

In 2005, Richard John Hatton was recognized as Fighter of the Year by The Ring magazine, the Boxing Writers Association of America, and ESPN.

May 2006: WBA Welterweight Title Win

On May 13, 2006, Hatton won the WBA welterweight title against Luis Collazo.

2006: Welterweight Debut

In 2006, Hatton made his welterweight debut and won against Luis Collazo for the WBA title in his second weight class.

January 2007: IBF Light-Welterweight Title Recapture

On January 20, 2007, Hatton won a twelve-round unanimous decision against Juan Urango to re-capture the IBF light-welterweight title and the vacant IBO title.

June 2007: Defeat of Castillo

On June 23, 2007, Hatton defeated José Luis Castillo with a left hook to the liver, leading to Castillo being counted out for the first time in his career.

2007: Hatton Receives MBE

In 2007, Ricky Hatton received the MBE for his services to sport.

May 2008: Victory Over Juan Lazcano

On May 24, 2008, Hatton defeated Juan Lazcano by UD in front of a record-breaking home crowd to retain The Ring and IBO light-welterweight titles.

November 2008: Defeat of Paulie Malignaggi

On November 22, 2008, Hatton defeated Paulie Malignaggi by eleventh-round TKO to retain The Ring light-welterweight title.

February 2017: Zhakiyanov Wins WBA Bantamweight Title

On February 11, 2017, Zhanat Zhakiyanov, managed by Hatton Promotions and trained by Ricky Hatton, defeated Rau'shee Warren by split decision to win the WBA bantamweight title, becoming the first fighter under Hatton Promotions to become a world champion.