5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce · BBC Radio 5 Live

Ricky Hatton: The Hitman’s Legacy

September 17, 2025·54 min·5 clips

Tonight, we celebrate the life and legacy of Ricky Hatton, who died at 46, with guests sharing bittersweet memories.

This episode is a tribute to the late British boxing legend Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, who has died at age 46. Host Steve Bunce is joined by fellow Mancunian former boxers Stacey Copeland and Ant Croller, with promoter Frank Warren scheduled to appear later. The conversation reflects on Hatton's life, career, and lasting impact on the sport and his community. The hosts recall Hatton's iconic fights, including his victories against Kostya Tszyu and José Luis Castillo. They discuss his massive fanbase, particularly the memorable travel of thousands of British supporters to Las Vegas for his bouts. Specific anecdotes highlight Hatton's charismatic personality and his deep connection to Manchester. Frank Warren shares insights into promoting Hatton's career and the fighter's marketability. The panel reflects on the intense pressure and spotlight Hatton faced during his peak years. They examine his fights against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, which defined the latter stage of his career. The discussion also touches on Hatton's life and challenges after retiring from professional boxing. A key insight is how Hatton's everyman persona made him a uniquely relatable champion to working-class fans. Stacey Copeland notes the bittersweet nature of reminiscing, where joyful memories also bring sadness. The episode reveals how Hatton's training camps were known for their incredible public turnout and energy. Frank Warren provides perspective on Hatton's role in revitalizing British boxing's popularity in the 2000s. The hosts emphasize that his legacy extends beyond titles to inspiring a generation in Manchester and across the UK. They share a poignant clip of Hatton's own voice discussing his career, highlighting his self-awareness. The tone is reverent, nostalgic, and emotionally charged, blending personal anecdotes with sports analysis. The style is conversational and reflective, moving between formal tribute and informal reminiscence. This episode is essential for boxing fans, especially those who followed British boxing's golden era in the 2000s. Listeners seeking pure fight analysis or controversy might find it too focused on personal eulogy.

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