Ricky Hatton Honored in International Boxing Hall of Fame Artwork

Ricky Hatton, born in Manchester in 1978, was never just a boxer — he was the heartbeat of a city, the pride of a people. Nicknamed “The Hitman,” Hatton fought not only with fists, but with the unbreakable spirit of the streets he came from. Every punch he threw carried the weight of working-class pride, grit, and determination.

His legendary 2005 victory over Kostya Tszyu catapulted him to world champion status and secured his legacy among Britain’s boxing greats. Even when he faced icons like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, Hatton stepped into the ring with fearless resolve — not just fighting for himself, but for every fan who believed in him.

But perhaps his greatest victory came outside the ropes. Hatton remained, through all the glory and pain, a man of the people — grounded, loyal, and real. When he fought in Las Vegas, nearly 20,000 British fans crossed the Atlantic to back him. They drank the MGM Grand dry and turned a casino into Manchester for one unforgettable night. Through it all, one chant echoed loudest:
“There’s only one Ricky Hatton.”

In 2024, Hatton was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame — a fitting honour for a warrior who gave everything to the sport and to the fans who never stopped singing his name. His induction is immortalized in a special painting that graces the cover of the official Hall of Fame program — a powerful visual tribute to his lifelong contribution to boxing.

The Artist Behind the Tribute

The artwork was created by acclaimed British-born artist Richard T. Slone, a former protégé of Joe Frazier and one-time member of the legendary Kronk Gym. Now based in Las Vegas, Slone has been the official artist of the International Boxing Hall of Fame since 1996. His portfolio includes iconic commissions for historic bouts such as Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, Mayweather vs. Canelo, and Canelo vs. Golovkin.

Slone’s work has graced countless covers of Ring Magazine and Boxing News, capturing the drama, intensity, and raw emotion of the sport with unmatched precision.

The Painting: A Moment in Boxing History

Slone’s 2024 Hall of Fame painting is more than just a portrait — it’s a piece of living history. Composed in warm earth tones, the artwork brings to life the year’s inductees, none more striking than Ricky Hatton, who appears in the upper left corner of the canvas.

Positioned at the top edge, Hatton seems to watch over the scene with quiet pride. His broad shoulders and resolute gaze exude confidence and determination. Draped across one shoulder is the championship belt — a symbol of his crowning achievements. A hint of blue on his trunks subtly nods to “Blue Moon”, the song that defined his walkouts and connected him eternally to Manchester.

Every detail, from the expression on his face to the ink on his arm, is lovingly rendered — a testament to Slone’s mastery and to Hatton’s deeply personal journey in the sport.

Among the other inductees stand legends like Michael Moorer, Iván Calderón, Diego Corrales, and British trailblazer Jane Couch — each etched into boxing history, each brought vividly to life by Slone’s brush.

A Personal Reflection

This painting holds deep meaning for me — it’s not just art, it’s memory, spirit, and story. I would never sell it.

I saw Ricky Hatton fight live three times — unforgettable moments that still feel electric. The first was against Manny Pacquiao. I’ll never forget the band of travelling fans that marched through Las Vegas, filling the MGM Grand with music, beer, and loyalty:
“There is only one Ricky Hatton…”

The second time, I saw him at a bar inside the arena during Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. He stood there, beer in hand, just like one of us. I asked him for a photo — he smiled, and obliged without hesitation.

And the third time, at his Hall of Fame induction in 2024. I expected the 20,000 Brits to be there again — but at one point, I saw him alone, sitting at the bar. Just Ricky. Just real. Still the same man who never stopped being one of us.

Forever The People’s Champion

Ricky Hatton’s passing last week shook the boxing world to its core. He was far too young, and the grief is immense. But his spirit will live on — in every chant, every memory, every canvas, and every voice that ever sang his name.

He wasn’t just a fighter. He was — and always will be — our champion.
Our pride.
Our song. There is only one Ricky Hatton.