Ricky Hatton aims to discover the next Rags-to Riches story in a new boxing competition after launching Tommy Fury's career

Ricky Hatton, the 44-year-old Manchester legend, is set to manage his proud region in a new-format boxing competition called The Box Off. The competition, backed by the British Boxing Board of Control and starting in September, aims to catapult prospects who have missed out on elite amateur success or social media Insta-fame into the mainstream mix. Hatton, known for his rags-to-riches story, is the perfect man to push this new premise, after helping make Tommy Fury a millionaire and household name, with minimal boxing experience.

Ricky Hatton: From Pub-to-Pub Ticket Sales to Boxing Legend

Hatton, known for his working-class roots, sold tickets pub-to-pub and won fights soaked in blood to make a name for himself in the business. While reflecting on his early days, Hatton shared, "There was no social media or reality TV when I was around but I advised Tommy Fury to go on Love Island because I knew it would create a lot of opportunities for him, on top of being a talented boxer."

Hatton's traditional values mixed with new-age skills have made him a hero both inside and outside of the boxing world. He plans to impart his knowledge and experience on these young talents, as long as they don't copy his trademark social media style.

Bringing Old-School Boxing Back

Hatton is determined to promote small-hall boxing and bring back the days of midweek televised fights where real talent was unearthed. He believes that there is something special about witnessing someone who has come from nothing reach the top. Hatton's social media presence is a mix of looking after his mental health, taking care of his fighters and kids, and sharing some diabolical content that fans know is authentic and coming from him.

He understands the struggles young fighters face in their early careers and sees The Box Off as an opportunity for them to catapult themselves towards something better.