The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s latest spectacle lit up the AO Arena in Manchester, England on the 27th of September. Headlining the card was none other than James DeGale, making his much-anticipated BKFC debut after hanging up his professional boxing gloves in 2019.
The former Olympic gold medallist stepped back into the spotlight against Matty Floyd, thrilling a packed arena as he launched the next chapter of his combat sports career.
Also in attendance was UFC superstar Conor McGregor, who drew a thunderous reception from the Manchester crowd. Before the main event, the Irishman stepped into the ring to honour the late Ricky Hatton, who tragically passed away on the 14th of September at just 46 years old.
In a heartfelt tribute, he addressed Hatton’s family directly, calling the beloved British boxing icon a “special man” and paying his respects to one of the sport’s true greats.
“Manchester, England, it’s great to be here,” McGregor began. “Ricky Hatton forever. Ricky Hatton is forever. This is a message to the Hatton family. We are with you here on your loss. Your father was a special, special man. Truly, the greatest fighter of the United Kingdom. A man who paved the way for many of the lighter weights, including myself. A hero of mine. This event here is in honour of the legend that is Manchester’s own, Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton!”
Ricky Hatton’s Legendary Boxing Career Remembered
Ricky Hatton is widely celebrated as one of Britain’s greatest boxers. Nicknamed “The Hitman”, he launched his professional career in 1997 with a blistering debut against Colin McAuley, securing a first-round TKO. That emphatic victory set the tone for his rise through the ranks, marking the beginning of a storied journey that would establish him as one of the finest fighters on the global stage.
Hatton’s next outing took him to the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York, further cementing his rapid rise. He went on an extraordinary run, winning his first 43 fights consecutively and showcasing his dominance with memorable victories over elite opponents such as Luis Collazo, Juan Urango, and Jose Luis Castillo. By the time he hung up the gloves, “The Hitman” had compiled an impressive professional record of 45 wins and just three losses, with 32 of those victories coming by way of knockout.
Hatton’s first professional defeat came on the 8th of December 2007, when he was stopped by Floyd Mayweather in the 10th round of their blockbuster showdown. True to his fighting spirit, though, he rebounded in style with back-to-back victories over Juan Lazcano and Paulie Malignaggi, proving he still belonged at the very top of the sport.
However, his final chapter in the ring was a difficult one, as he suffered defeats to Manny Pacquiao and Vyacheslav Senchenko, closing the curtain on a remarkable career that left an enduring legacy in British boxing.
The Hitman announced his comeback to professional boxing at the age of 46 on the 6th of July this year. He was set to take on Eisa Al Dah later this year in Dubai.