The Boxing History Blog

Ricky Hatton, MBE British boxing lost one of its most loved stars when it was announced that Ricky Hatton, the former two-weight world champion, was found dead at his Manchester home at 6.45 am by a member of the public, who alerted the police on Sunday 14th September 2015.  A tribute from his family said: "He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him," the Hatton family said. "As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support. "Richard's memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly." Hatton was born on 6th October 1978 to Publican parents Ray and Carol, as Richard John Hatton, at the Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport, Greater Manchester. When Ricky was born, the family lived ...

15th June 1984, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas WBC light-middleweight Title Thomas Hearns Vs Roberto Duran After tasting his first professional defeat at the hands of 'Sugar' Ray Leonard in September 1981, Thomas Hearns won a decision over Ernie Singletary three months later. By the end of 1982 he positioned himself to get a crack at WBC light-middleweight champion Wilfred Benitez. The champion beat Maurice Hope to claim the title in May 1981 and at the beginning of 1982 he successfully defended the belt for the second time with a points win over Roberto Duran. In December that very year Benitez faced Thomas Hearns in his third defence. The challenger had a point deducted in round four for pulling the champion's head down. A right hand from the 'Hit Man' knocked the Puerto Rican down in the fifth. In round eight, Hearns damaged his right hand on Benitez's head, and had to box the remainder of the bout one-handed. In the ninth, the champion score...