In a move that has sent shockwaves through the British boxing community, Campbell Hatton - the promising young fighter and son of Manchester boxing icon Ricky Hatton - has announced his immediate retirement from professional boxing.
The 22-year-old, who had been widely tipped to follow in his father's legendary footsteps, dropped the bombshell announcement after just nine professional fights, leaving fans and analysts alike stunned by his sudden departure from the sport.
A Legacy Interrupted
Campbell had been steadily building his professional record under the watchful eye of his father and trainer, Ricky 'The Hitman' Hatton, who remains one of Britain's most beloved boxing figures. The young fighter had shown significant promise in his early bouts, demonstrating the same aggressive, crowd-pleasing style that made his father a two-weight world champion.
'This decision hasn't been an easy one,' Campbell revealed in an emotional statement. 'It's something I've been considering for a while, and I've decided now is the right time to step away from the sport.'
Family Support Amidst Tough Choice
The Hatton boxing dynasty runs deep, with uncle Matthew Hatton also having enjoyed a successful professional career. Despite the family's deep roots in the sport, Campbell emphasised that he received nothing but support from his famous father regarding his decision.
'My dad has been amazing about it,' Campbell shared. 'He told me that whatever makes me happy, makes him happy. He's supported me every step of the way and continues to do so.'
The announcement comes as a particular surprise given Campbell's recent performances, which had shown marked improvement and suggested a fighter on an upward trajectory within the competitive lightweight division.
What Next for the Hatton Name?
While Campbell's departure leaves questions about the future of the Hatton name in professional boxing, the young Mancunian appears content with his decision and optimistic about his future outside the ring.
His retirement after just two years in the professional ranks serves as a stark reminder of the immense physical and mental demands of boxing, even for those born into fighting families with every advantage.
The boxing world now watches with interest to see what path Campbell Hatton chooses next, while remembering a promising career cut unexpectedly short.
