Campbell Hatton follows father Ricky’s footsteps with professional debut

Trained by his uncle, Matthew, Hatton begins his career on Dillian Whyte’s undercard in Gibraltar

Campbell Hatton during his public workout (Dave Thompson/Matchroom Boxing)

Campbell Hatton makes a glitzy introduction to the professional boxing ranks on Saturday night in Gibraltar as he aims to follow in the footsteps of his legendary father, Ricky.

In a sport where families form rich legacies, with Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn already established elite pros in their own right, Hatton is making a headline introduction at the Europa Point Sports Complex, starring on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s long-anticipated rematch with Alexander Povetkin.

It is a far cry from the Kingsway Leisure Centre in Widnes where Ricky began his own career in 1997, when the chairs were being folded and fans dribbled out as the ‘Hitman’ began his journey to iconic status with a first-round knockout. Ricky’s younger brother, Matthew, who enjoyed a successful career, too, challenging Canelo Alvarez for the WBC title in 2011, is Campbell’s trainer.

“I had always done bits in the gym with my dad and Matthew growing up, but I first started boxing properly when I was about 14,” Campbell said. “My grandad took me down to Northside ABC in Clayton and I loved it ever since. I had a handful of fights for them then moved to Roy Richardson’s Boxing Academy. 

“In the amateurs, I won a National Novice Title and two North West Titles. After winning the Novices it was hard to get matched with fighters with a similar amount of fights so I ended up boxing a lot of National Champions and international fighters which brought me on massively.

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“I think now is the right time for me to turn over to the pro ranks because from a young age I’ve always been told I have had a very professional style and that never did me any favours as an amateur, which has always made me eager to turn over.   

“I’m very lucky to be in the position I’m in with my dad being a former World Champion and my uncle Matthew also being a world title challenger as well because their experience in the game is second to none. There aren’t many people who can say they have that sort of advice.  

“Me and my dad get on really well. I think it’s because we are so similar, we have the same sense of humour, same interests and the same passion for boxing. It’s such a big part of both of our lives which makes us very lucky to be able to share that.”

Dillian Whyte vs Alexander Povetkin

When is the fight?

The bout will take place on 27 March at the Europa Point Sports Complex in Gibraltar.

What time are the ringwalks?

The undercard will begin at 6pm with the main event expected to start at around 10.30pm.

How can I watch it online and on TV?

The fight will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office and will cost £19.95 to purchase.

Who is on the undercard?

• Ted Cheeseman vs JJ Metcalf (British super-welterweight title)
• Fabio Wardley vs Eric Molina (heavyweight)
• Youssef Khoumari vs Kane Baker (super-featherweight)
• Chris Kongo vs Michael Mickinson (WBO global welterweight title)
• Eric Pfeifer vs Nick Webb (heavyweight)
• Campbell Hatton vs Jesus Ruiz (debut)

What have the fighters said?

Whyte: “It’s the most important fight of my career,” said Whyte. “But I’ve been through ups and downs my whole life; I’m used to coming back and proving people wrong, I’m used to showing people what I can do if they write me off. The main thing is to win. I’m a competitor and I hate losing at anything so I want to make it 1-1. That’s the plan.”

Povetkin: “I’ve almost forgotten the last fight because this is another story and I think Dillian will be better in the second fight than the first one,” said Povetkin. “But at the same time I will try to be more careful and pay attention to my defence.

“I don’t have this feeling that I will knock him out. I just (want) to come over and win. It could (go) the distance. I’m not focused on the knockout, I just need to follow my plan.”

What are the odds?

Whyte - 2/7, KO - 8/11, Decision - 3/1

Povetkin - 5/2, KO - 3/1, Decision - 12/1