Ricky Hatton and Tyson Fury have both done their shift of carrying British boxing on the world stage. Whilst the highs have been plenty, the lows were inevitable too.
Both men have been world champions and named The Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year, as well as selling out arenas and transcending the sport in terms of fame. Whilst Hatton has hung up the gloves, he continues to be a big influence in the sport supporting young fighters including his son, Campbell.
As for Fury, he’s currently enjoying his second reign as Heavyweight Champion of the World, and has a real opportunity to make history as becoming undisputed in the division. Despite being at the top of the pile now, it was not too long ago that it looked like he may never lace up the gloves again.
‘The Gypsy King’ has been open about the struggles he faced during his time out of the ring between 2015 and 2018, highlighting suicidal thoughts, depression, and alcohol abuse. Today, Hatton shared a picture via Instagram of the pair five years ago in 2017, with the caption:
“Saw this this morning. Me and the big man Tyson Fury in Manchester 5 years ago nearly to the day. Look at the size of both of us? I look like a f**king beach ball with a sh*t shirt on. Wasn’t in the best of places at the time but as they say… Look at us now.”
‘The Hitman’ Hatton had his struggles too, depression and weight gain being threads that weaved their way throughout his career. Perhaps it’s why such a close friendship between the two fighters has developed – because they both know the pressures, expectations, and pitfalls of the fight game all too well.
Hatton sharing the photo today shows how far the boxing greats have come, and serves as a reminder that, as fans, we are lucky to have both of them still involved in the sport.