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Ricky Hatton Attacked By Father Ray, 61, Days Before Announcing Return To The Ring

First Posted: 15/09/2012 11:35 BST Updated: 17/09/2012 16:57 BST   PA

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The father of former boxing champion Ricky Hatton was arrested for attacking his son the day before he announced his comeback, police sources said.

It is understood that Hatton, 33, had to protect himself after his dad Ray, 61, attacked him during a heated row in the car park outside his Manchester gym.

Police were called and Hatton senior was arrested and cautioned.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Shortly before 11.45am on Thursday, police received reports that there had been a fight involving two men outside a health and fitness club on Market Street, Hyde.

ricky hatton ray hatton

Hatton's father Ray, right, was cautioned over the attack

Hatton - nicknamed The Hitman - said he would strive to earn the nation's pride again after seeing his life "turn to mush" in the three years since he last fought.

The Hyde fighter has suffered a series of well-publicised issues in his private life since his last fight saw him knocked out by Manny Pacquiao in their IBO light-welterweight title fight in Las Vegas.

Hatton insisted he did not want to see those demons tarnish his legacy in the sport, with another world title belt in his sights.

The fighter was the subject of allegations of cocaine abuse two years ago and within days he was admitted to a rehabilitation facility.

ricky hatton manny pacquaio

Hatton, the last time he was in the ring against Manny Pacquaio

Drink and depression were major issues for Hatton at the time.

"I don't want people telling my kids that I blew it," Hatton said as it was announced he would return to the ring on November 24 in Manchester.

"I want my kids to be able to say, 'He was a world champion, he had his problems, but my did he bounce back'.

"I want people to be proud of me again. I want British sport, my kids and my fans and my friends to be proud of me."

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pelikanzoo
7 Fans
10:31 PM on 09/16/2012
If his old dad can knock him out then what chance as he got in the ring.
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jacksons6
15 Fans
07:06 PM on 09/16/2012
Has he not got enough brain damage. Obviously not. Surely he can't need the money.
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Fozwords
Abandon hope when you post on here
192 Fans
04:45 PM on 09/16/2012
Again the unacceptable face of sport, father fight son, then we have Mark Hughes re-iterated his demand for the pre-match handshake between rival players to be scrapped, after Anton Ferdinand's decision to snub John Terry and Ashley Cole threatened to overshadow the goalless west London derby between Queens Park Rangers and Chelsea.
Why can't these infantile people behave like Rugby Superlaegue players, after getting a sever battering for 80 minutes they not only shake hands at the end of a match, they cal each other on their backs albeit they may have been at extreme loggerheads throughout the game. A hard game played hard and finishes as friends with respect from both teams. A lot to be learned from Suoer League, including the remuneration.
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urshjs
4 Fans
06:38 PM on 09/16/2012
Super league players may seem better but they are not i was marriedd to one for 12 years and their behaviour off the pitch is sometimes far worse than any footballer, you don't get to hear about it because they aren't as famous !!!
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vangvien
1 Fans
04:00 PM on 09/16/2012
He will end up just another washed up boxer. Not out of the top drawer a good tryer made the most of his talents shame he found drugs the modern day curse
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dudthedude
43 Fans
01:11 PM on 09/16/2012
just means he loves his son.....
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kohl
64 Fans
12:46 PM on 09/16/2012
Despite the training and emotional issues that hindered Rickys ultimate potential as a fighter his achievements still remain ones that most British boxer can only dream of. We are now in the present. Ricky is 34years old, getting into better shape but never what he was. Despite claims to the contrary about turning over new leaves he himself recently admitted that he would always be a jack the lad. That statement says more about the realities of this "New Ricky" than might first appear. Ricky is not Sugar Ray Robinson or Muhammed Ali or for the real fight fans an ancient Archie Moore. He is past it. Oh yes he may actually win a couple of fights but not against anyone who matters, even if he beats a fairly good name who is either over rated or already past it themselves. Soon as he meets someone "Live" or really good we'll see another knock out. No doubt someone will award him the "Bubble & Squeak" version of some title or other just to con a few fans, but Ricky risks losing not just his marbles, but everything else as well!
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Chris1000
16 Fans
11:58 AM on 09/16/2012
Boxing is a savage business, the object of which is amply displayed in the photo. Little better than Roman times.
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gothling
1 Fans
03:38 PM on 09/16/2012
Yeah, very similar. All those boxers being kept against their will, forced to fight in order to keep their families safe from the brutal regime holding them hostage.......
Not like they're independent men (and women) training for hours a day to impose discipline and order on themselves. These people are highly gifted and to condemn the sport down to "savagery" is dong each and every one of them a GREAT diservice!
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Chris1000
16 Fans
07:10 PM on 09/16/2012
You fail to take my point, the object of a boxing fight is to render the opponent insensible on the floor. As in the picture. This at the risk of brain damage and death, both of which have happened. This to amuse the crowd and for those who bet on such results to win money at no risk to themselves. My likening to the Romans is that this is similar to the gladiators of Roman times. I made no likening to the conditions that gladiators fought under.
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hardyphsh
10 Fans
10:36 AM on 09/16/2012
i think you'll find out that the money is running out and it's causing big family tensions
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vangvien
1 Fans
04:05 PM on 09/16/2012
Yes unfortunately probably correct
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jubaz121
22 Fans
09:48 AM on 09/16/2012
ricky will always be my hero, he was without doubt a true gladiator, yes he got beat but that doesnt alter my opinion of him, in boxing there is always someone better than you, that is a well known saying, i am sorry he feels he needs to return to the ring to prove himself because as far as i am concerned he doesnt have to prove nought.
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gubfunckel21
26 Fans
09:48 AM on 09/16/2012
Let us all hope that this man has something in the tank, he will undoubtably suffer a lot more if he has not, and I would hazard a guess that his father was worried about this decision.
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Arkleson
100 Fans
08:16 AM on 09/16/2012
I'm guessing Ricky didn't fight back as his dad seems to be still walking.
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Lechiffre
224 Fans
12:06 PM on 09/16/2012
It probably isn't a recent photo. But then he probably restrained himself.
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toti
96 Fans
03:19 AM on 09/16/2012
People make mistakes. and bad choices, specially when they're down. From what I've read, Ricky Hatton is loved in his hometown and was a celebrated champion. There is nothing to recover or get back by coming out or retirement and fighting again.

By the way, was his decision to "unretire" connected with his fight with his father?
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James Bylane
0 Fans
02:52 AM on 09/16/2012
he should stay retired
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bertiman
8 Fans
12:19 AM on 09/16/2012
Is it true is come back fight is against a hand picked opponent who has not knocked out anyone in his previous fights?
(Not sure how old he is).
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