Ricky Hatton`s name resonates with an era of relentless pressure, thudding body shots, and an undeniable connection with his legion of fans. Before “The Hitman” became a unified world champion, before the sold-out arenas in Las Vegas, there was a crucible of competition that forged his legend. These were the fights where a young Mancunian learned his trade, honing the skills and willpower that would one day stun Kostya Tszyu and captivate the boxing world.
But what was it like to stand across the ring from Ricky Hatton during those formative years? To face the unstoppable force before the world knew his full power? We revisit the perspectives of four men who experienced it firsthand: Jon Thaxton, Jason Rowland, Mike Stewart, and Ray Oliveira. Their recollections paint a vivid picture of a fighter destined for greatness, even if the view from the opposing corner was, shall we say, less than comfortable.
The Baptism of Fire: Memories from the Squared Circle
For many, a fight against Ricky Hatton wasn`t just another bout; it was an event. Jon Thaxton, who battled Hatton for the British title at Wembley, recalls it as his “favourite fight.” A mutual war of attrition, with both fighters stitching themselves up afterward. Thaxton`s parting quip, “Ricky, I really enjoyed that. Thanks very much, we must do it again,” met with a characteristically blunt and humorous “You can f*** right off!” – a testament to Hatton`s no-nonsense charm and the intensity of their clash.
Jason Rowland remembers the sting of defeat, a “50-50 fight” that he’d approach differently with hindsight. The sheer scale of the occasion, often geared toward Hatton, was palpable. Rowland`s observation that Hatton was “on telly every other week” underscores his burgeoning popularity even then.
Across the Atlantic, Mike Stewart vividly remembers the physical ordeal. “Ricky Hatton was strong as hell. He was probably the strongest guy I ever fought,” Stewart confessed, highlighting not just power but boundless energy. Even with significant weight loss, Stewart found Hatton`s strength insurmountable in their fifth round.
Then there`s Ray Oliveira, who arrived in London expecting hostility but found warmth from Hatton – once the pre-fight pleasantries were over. Discovering a shared birthday, only for Oliveira to humorously point out the decade-long age gap. Inside the ropes, however, sentimentality vanished. Oliveira`s eardrums suffered, leaving him without equilibrium. His decision to stay down, “Nah, I`m good,” was a pragmatic admission of Hatton`s overwhelming force.
The Relentless Engine: Dissecting Hatton`s Fighting Style
The consensus from those who shared the ring with “The Hitman” is clear: he was a relentless, intelligent, and physically imposing fighter.
Thaxton described him simply as “Relentless.” Hatton`s unyielding pressure, even with a cut, forced opponents to give their absolute all. While perhaps not the hardest single puncher Thaxton faced, the sheer volume and continuous assault were enough to wear down even the most conditioned athlete. Hatton, in Thaxton`s words, “also made my name as well” – a testament to the profile a Hatton fight commanded.
Rowland pinpoints Hatton`s devastating body punching as a key weapon. “His left hooks and his power punching – it soon takes its toll on you,” he recounted. Rowland praises Hatton`s footwork, his ability to be “in and out,” disrupting jabs and creating openings for those debilitating body shots. He didn`t mince words: “He’s probably the best body puncher to come out of this country.”
Stewart found an uncanny resemblance to a legendary Mexican warrior: “You know who it was like fighting? Julio Cesar Chavez. I watched Chavez coming up and it was like fighting him. His strength, his output, the way he put his punches together…” High praise indeed, comparing Hatton`s style to one of boxing`s all-time greats.
Oliveira was struck by Hatton`s intelligence, a quality sometimes overshadowed by his brawling reputation. Hatton “didn`t stay in front of me; he gave me angles,” Oliveira noted, surprising him with his evasiveness and tactical movement. “He was very smart,” a crucial observation that elevates Hatton beyond a mere slugger.
A Champion Foretold: Prophecies from the Opposing Corner
When asked if they foresaw Hatton`s eventual world championship glory, the answers were, for the most part, a resounding “yes.”
Thaxton had no doubts. “You knew he was going to be a future world champion.” He reflected on the iconic Kostya Tszyu fight as Hatton`s defining “moment,” acknowledging his own role as a “gatekeeper” who nonetheless contributed to the legend.
Rowland also believed in Hatton`s trajectory, attributing it partly to his considerable backing. He recalled the surreal experience of seeing Hatton fight in Vegas, witnessing the “amazing” sight of 30,000 fans – a testament to Hatton`s extraordinary appeal. Beyond the ring, Rowland recognized Hatton as a “friend” and a positive force, “getting kids off the street.”
Stewart confidently stated, “Oh, yeah, no doubt.” Having fought Sharmba Mitchell, Stewart believed Hatton was superior. The Tszyu victory, however, still surprised him with its dominance, prompting an “Oh, s***” moment. Stewart even envisioned dream matchups, like Hatton vs. Miguel Cotto, as a “game-changer for the sport.”
Oliveira was perhaps the most prescient. Right after their fight, he told Hatton he was “more than ready to come to American and fight Mayweather.” While cautioning against fighting Mayweather first, Oliveira recognized Hatton`s unique blend of “great footwork and fighting angles” – dismissing the notion that Hatton was “just a banger.” He saw the champion, inside and outside the ring, appreciating how “the people loved him.”
The Enduring Legacy of `The Hitman`
Ricky Hatton`s journey from the local halls of Manchester to the bright lights of Las Vegas was paved with grit, determination, and a style that made him a nightmare for opponents. These firsthand accounts from Jon Thaxton, Jason Rowland, Mike Stewart, and Ray Oliveira provide a rare glimpse behind the curtain of a champion in the making. They faced “The Hitman” when his star was still rising, contributing unwittingly to the legend he would become.
Their memories confirm what fans always suspected: Ricky Hatton wasn`t just a fighter; he was a force of nature, a relentless, smart, and overwhelmingly strong boxer whose personality shone through even the toughest exchanges. His legacy isn`t just defined by titles, but by the indelible mark he left on everyone he met – inside and outside the ring. And for these four men, it was an education they`d never forget, even if, like Ray Oliveira, they chose to take a seat after an encounter with the irrepressible Mancunian.
