Ricky Hatton demands an investigation into Evander Holyfield’s defeat to Vitor Belfort, and rages hang your heads in shame.

Ricky Hatton, a BOXING legend, demanded that an investigation be opened into the sanctioning Evander Holyfield's fight with Vitor Belfort.

At 58, the former champion undisputed in cruiserweight returned to the ring.

Holyfield, who caused concern with his open training during fight week, looked like a shell and was stopped in under two minutes.

Hatton was shocked to see the great of all time be defeated by a man only 14 years his senior. Hatton believes that the Florida State Athletic Commission should not have sanctioned this fight.

In his Metro column, he wrote: "I wasn’t very happy to watch Evander Holyfield get knocked down in the first round at weekend. Not at all."

"The Florida board of control must be investigated in order to allow that to occur.

Exhibitions are something I am all for. I have said that I am open to an exhibition, with two former champions showing their skills for the fans. With the understanding that nobody will be seriously hurt,

"But this was quite different. It was a 58 year-old Holyfield who came in with a week's notice and wanted to replace Oscar De La Hoya at last minute.

"I posted this on Instagram this week, saying that the Holyfield fight should have been stopped.

Holyfield expressed interest in a three-fight series with Mike Tyson prior to his return.

The fight is unlikely to happen, given Belfort's slowness and fragility against him.

Hatton said, "We must move with the times. That is what I see.

"Floyd Mayweather defeated Conor McGregor. Then he fought [a YouTuber].

"Mike Tyson defeated Roy Jones.

"We can do that. Tyson and Jones were an exhibit. Both were well prepared and the conditions were perfect.

"Floyd [YouTuber] likely had some understanding of what was really going on there.

His people put Holyfield in a very difficult situation. As long as the boundaries are in place to keep Holyfield's health and safety, exhibitions are acceptable.

"This is the age of social media. We must adapt to the times. It doesn't matter if you are a boxing fan or not.

"If that is what you find entertaining, then take a look in your mirror."

Holyfield believes that despite their resistance to a reenergized Belfort, the end of their fight was premature.

He stated that he thought it was a poor call. "I don't believe the referee should stop the fight so quickly."