British boxing icon Ricky Hatton has confirmed that his son, Campbell Hatton, is retiring from boxing, delivering news that has left fans stunned and the boxing community in disbelief. For many, Campbell was seen as the natural heir to the Hatton fighting legacy—a young man who seemed destined to carry on where his father left off. Yet, in a decision that has surprised even some of his closest supporters, Campbell has decided to hang up his gloves and set his sights on an entirely new path outside the squared circle.
Ricky Hatton, known affectionately as “The Hitman,” was one of Britain’s most beloved boxers. His ferocious fighting style, working-class roots, and charismatic personality made him a hero in Manchester and beyond. It was no surprise, then, that when Campbell stepped into the ring, there was immense expectation—and no small amount of pressure—on his young shoulders. Campbell turned professional in 2021, fighting under the Matchroom Boxing banner, and quickly attracted big crowds, largely due to his famous surname and the emotional connection fans felt to the Hatton family.
Though his record was solid—winning fights and showing glimpses of promise—Campbell often found himself under intense scrutiny. Comparisons to his father were inevitable but arguably unfair. Ricky Hatton himself acknowledged this more than once, pointing out that the weight of a famous name can be both a blessing and a burden. Despite the pressure, Campbell always handled the spotlight with humility, often speaking about how proud he was to represent the Hatton name, but also about his desire to forge his own identity.
However, in a heartfelt statement, Ricky Hatton confirmed that Campbell had reached a point where he felt boxing was no longer the right path for him. “It’s a shock to a lot of people, but Campbell has made his decision and I stand by him 100 percent,” Hatton said. “He’s given everything to the sport since he was a little lad, but he wants to be happy and find something that excites him in a different way. As a father, that’s all I can hope for.”
So what’s next for the younger Hatton? The surprise new career path he’s chosen is, according to Ricky, something completely different from the world of boxing. Reports suggest that Campbell is planning to train as a firefighter—an unexpected but admirable choice that has already won him respect from fans and well-wishers online. Campbell has always spoken about the importance of family and community, and it seems this new chapter aligns perfectly with his values.
Sources close to the family say that Campbell struggled with the mental pressures of the sport more than many realised. Boxing is famously grueling, both physically and mentally. While fighters can spend years honing their craft, the intense training camps, brutal weight cuts, and constant risk of injury make it one of the toughest sports in the world. For Campbell, the added challenge of living up to his father’s legendary name only amplified that burden.
By choosing to step away now, Campbell is doing something that many fighters find extremely difficult—walking away on his own terms, before the sport takes too much from him. It’s a mature decision that speaks volumes about his character. While some critics have questioned whether he could have pushed on and improved, many fans have praised him for having the courage to choose happiness and fulfilment over fame and fortune.
Ricky Hatton’s own career ended with him battling demons outside the ring, including depression and substance abuse. He has since become a strong advocate for mental health awareness among fighters. No doubt, this experience influenced how he supported Campbell’s decision. “I know better than anyone what the sport can do to you if you’re not happy,” Ricky explained. “It’s about looking after yourself, and I’m so proud he’s made this choice for him—not for me, not for the fans, but for himself.”
Social media has been awash with messages of support for Campbell, with fans, fellow fighters, and promoters praising him for prioritizing his wellbeing. Many have also highlighted the nobility of his new career choice. Becoming a firefighter is not just a job—it’s a commitment to risking your life for others, serving the community, and putting your strength and resilience to good use in a new arena.
For now, Campbell Hatton will step out of the limelight of boxing and into a very different, but equally challenging, world. Whether he will ever be tempted to make a comeback remains to be seen, but if this really is the end of his boxing journey, he leaves with the respect of many who understand how tough this sport—and the spotlight that comes with it—can be.
As for Ricky Hatton, he remains a proud father, championing his son’s choice. In a sport known for its harsh realities and unforgiving nature, the Hatton story now adds a fresh chapter: one about family, bravery, and knowi
ng when to walk away.
