Boxing

Tribute to the Hitman: How Ricky Hatton impacted military boxing with Army visit in 2011

In 2011, Ricky Hatton visited the Army Boxing gym and Sergeant Martin Stead reflects on that meeting

He's one of the finest boxers that the United Kingdom has ever produced and, as Ricky Hatton's family and friends prepare to lay him to rest, the military boxing scene is paying tribute to 'The Hitman'.

Hatton passed away on 14 September, aged 46, following a sporting career that earned him five world championships across weight divisions as well as a number of high-profile wins.

He will go down as an inspiration for many young British boxers, including many in the military, and in 2011, he was a visitor at the Army boxing gym in Aldershot.

During the visit, Hatton met Sergeant Martin Stead, who has a glittering amateur career of his own, winning three amateur national championships.

"Everyone was in awe," said the former Army boxer turned coach. "Obviously, a world champion, and he was passing on the knowledge to the guys.

"A couple of weeks later, he came to the Inter Services as a guest of honour and, fortunately, he picked me as best boxer.

"I couldn't believe it. Honestly, I was over the moon with it. He was just such a gentleman. I've still got the glove that he gave me and I'll always treasure it."

Hatton's personal impact on a few military soldiers

Hatton's visit to the Army gym was a boost to the all military boxers as the world champion imparted his wisdom and knowledge to the service's next future in-ring stars.

Sgt Stead said: "They just couldn't believe it. Getting padded off Ricky Hatton?

"He came in here, just being Ricky, making everyone laugh and, yeah, it's brilliant. That's the type of guy he was. He loved passing on the knowledge.

"That was Ricky for you. It was such an absolute pleasure and honour having him here."

It wasn't just the Army's boxers who got to meet Hatton and spend time with the legendary boxer.

How Ricky Hatton gave one RAF boxer and his terminally ill dad a day to remember

The RAF's Air Specialist Class 1 Josh Hopwood-Mairs recalled a time when Hatton invited him and his terminally ill father for a visit.

"I just wanted to make a little video on how Ricky Hatton gave me and my dad a really nice memory," said AS1 Hopwood-Mairs.

"He invited us down the gym when he found out about my dad's terminal illness. We spent the day with him, and [there was] lots of laughs chatting about boxing.