Two-division world champion, Ricky Hatton, has criticized boxing as a whole, after the consistent failures to make the fights that fans want to see, particularly in the heavyweight division.
Of all the fighters to come from the United Kingdom and show their talent on the world stage, few have been able to captivate the British public like Hatton, who was supported from all area of the country but adored in Manchester.
Now, ‘The Hitman’ has admitted that even he has become disappointed with boxing as of late, with the heavyweight division struggling to match the blockbuster events of other divisions in the sport.
In an interview with Boxing News, the proud Mancunian branded boxing as a ‘circus’ and revealed his disheartenment at fighters seemingly becoming more interested in making money than pursuing world titles.
“Boxing lately, on the big stage, it’s a bit of a circus.”
“Sometimes I watch boxing now and I just feel like turning the TV off! Which is a bit embarrassing when I’m supposed to be proud of what the sport did to me.”
“Boxing needs to pull its’ fingers out of its’ backside and get the fights made because it’s damaging the sport. Fighters would rather earn more money fighting a YouTuber, than fight for a world title now. That is damaging for our sport, hopefully the right fights will be made and boxing can make a major comeback. I think it needs to.”
Hatton went on to defend Tyson Fury, who has been criticised for opting to face Francis Ngannou in a crossover bout, rather than battle Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed title, but the ‘The Hitman’ argued that Fury had no option, with the other contenders being tied up in alternate fights.
Still Hatton hopes, like the rest of boxing fans, that the sport can make a comeback in 2024, with boxing’s blue-ribbon division finally delivering the major clashes fans are calling for.