RICKY Hatton, born in Manchester in 1978, was never just a boxer – he was the beating heart of the people. Known as “The Hitman”, he fought with grit, courage, and a fire that reflected the streets he came from.
His unforgettable victory over Kostya Tszyu in 2005 lifted him to world champion status and sealed his place among the British greats. Even when he faced legends like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, Hatton entered the ring with fearless determination, carrying the pride of a nation on his shoulders.
But his true greatness was written outside the ropes. Hatton was the man of the people, the working-class hero who never lost touch with his roots. When he fought in Las Vegas, around 20,000 British fans crossed the Atlantic to stand behind him. They drank the MGM Grand dry of beer, turning a casino into Manchester for one night, and their voices thundered with a single chant: “There is only one Ricky Hatton.”
In 2024, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame – a fitting tribute to a warrior who gave everything to the sport and to the fans who adored him. And now, far too soon, Ricky Hatton has left us.
His passing last week has shaken the boxing world and broken countless hearts. He was much too young, and the grief is heavy. Yet his spirit will live on in every chant, every memory, and every fan who ever sang his name. For the people, Ricky Hatton will forever remain their champion, their pride, their song.
His induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame is commemorated by an official painting, which appears on the cover of the official Hall of Fame program. This artwork depicts Ricky Hatton alongside the other inductees and honours the Manchester “Hitman’s” boxing lifetime achievements like no other.
The artwork was painted by renowned Hall of Fame artist Richard T. Slone, who was close with Ricky Hatton and painted a lot of his fights.
The Artist
Richard T. Slone, a British-born artist now based in Las Vegas, once a protégé of Joe Frazier and part of the famed Kronk Gym, has become one of boxing’s greatest artists. Since 1996, he has created the official artworks of the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Slone was commissioned as official artist for such historic fights as Mayweather vs Pacquiao, Mayweather vs Canelo or Canelo vs Golovkin.
His work graces countless Ring Magazine and Boxing News covers, capturing the true emotion and drama of the sport.
The Painting
Richard T. Slone has once again created a work with the official Hall of Fame painting of 2024 that is both homage and historical document. Composed in warm earth tones, that year’s inductees stand out impressively – above all, Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton, who takes his place in the upper left corner.
This position at the very edge of the top of the canvas elevates him, almost as if he were watching over the entire scene. His posture radiates confidence and pride: broad shoulders, his gaze firm and straight ahead, full of determination. Draped over his shoulder rests the championship belt, a symbol of his greatest triumphs, while a blue tone on his trunks shines through – a subtle reference to “Blue Moon,” Hatton’s iconic ring-walk music and a symbol of his roots in Manchester.
His arm tattoo, carefully captured by Slone, emphasises the personal story inseparable from his identity as a fighter. Alongside Hatton, among others, are Michael Moorer, Iván Calderón, and Diego Corrales, champions who made boxing history in their respective weight classes. A special highlight is Jane Couch, the British pioneer of women’s boxing.
Slone’s style is marked by remarkable realistic detail, enabling him not only to capture posture and facial features with perfection, but also to bring forth the emotions and inner spirit of the Hall of Famers on canvas.
Personal note from the owner
This painting means a lot to me and I would never sell it. I saw Ricky Hatton three times – as an active fighter during his fight against Pacquiao – and I will never forget the band that accompanied him to Las Vegas and made the rounds at the MGM: “There is only one Ricky Hatton…”
A second time, when he was standing at the bar in the arena like one of us during the Mayweather Jr. vs. Pacquiao fight, and I asked him for a photo, which he was happy to take with me…
And finally, at his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame… I was expecting 20,000 Brits, but I saw him sitting alone at the bar once during those days.
You are already missed so much… RIP Champ.
The details of the painting are as follows:
Original
2024
Richard T Slone
20″ x 24″
Acrylic on canvas
*Copyright Richard T. Slone
You can view more of Ingo’s artwork on his website, Ingo Wegerich Fine Art Collection, or contact him via Instagram.
