New Hatton on the block: One To Watch: Campbell ‘Hurricane’ Hatton

Campbell Hatton was just four-years-old when his father, Ricky had his career standout night in ripping away the IBF light welterweight crown from Kostya Tsyzu in a memorable night at the Manchester Arena in June 2005.

Almost 16 years on, Hatton is set to follow in both his father and uncle’s footsteps when he embarks on his professional journey on Saturday on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s rematch with Alexander Povektin in Gibraltar.

Campbell who campaigns at super featherweight had a short, yet successful amateur career, winning 21 of his 31 bouts and picking up a National Novice Title and two North West Titles.

The anticipation for the 20-year-old’s first bow has been building ever since he turned over with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in December and whilst he acknowledges the pressure will be firmly on his shoulders, he admits this is nothing new to him.

“There is that little bit more expectation and bit of pressure,” Hatton told Pro Boxing Fans in December.

“But, I’ve had it through the amateurs obviously on a smaller scale. When I used to box the room would fill up and everything would go silent, everyone was watching.

“So, it’ll just be a similar thing, just a bit more, but I’ve always handled pressure well I’ve always thrived on it, it drives me really.

“When I get in the ring with anyone they’re working harder than they would for anyone else so I’ve got to do the same.”

Between Hatton’s father and manger Ricky and uncle and trainer Matthew, the pair never shied away from facing the best during their careers with at least three pound-for-pound stars on the resumes, including Floyd Mayweather Jr, Manny Pacquiao and Canelo Alvarez respectively.

Ricky in particular transcended the sport during the early 2000s in a way that has rarely been seen since, taking thousands of loyal fans to Las Vegas, fighting at his beloved Manchester City and securing his legacy as one of the most popular British fighters of all-time.

Despite their accolades, ‘Hurricane’ says he is determined to form a reputation of his own eventually, much in the same ilk as Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn have, who were both the subject of similar publicity when they turned professional.

“Definitely,” Hatton replied when asked about establishing his own name.

“As we saw early on he [Conor Benn] had the same sort of pressures, the same target on his back and a lot of high expectations being Nigel Benn’s son.

“He had a few critics, but he’s not been out the gym has he. He’s just constantly working and now he’s a top fighter and he’s Conor Benn now not Nigel Benn’s son and I want to be in the same position.

“I want to be known as Campbell Hatton not Ricky Hatton’s lad. So, I hope to do that in the not so distant future.”

During his heyday, the ‘Hitman’ was hailed by his supporters for his relentless approach and aggressive style, which saw him become a two-weight world champion.

Despite the excitement it brought, this style was often scrutinised for leaving him vulnerable and whilst Campbell is intent on bringing a similar fan-friendly technique, he insists there will be some differences to his dad.

“Definitely exciting,” Campbell said of his style.

“A lot of similarities we’ve heard. The body punching, [I] come forward, [I’m] aggressive.

“But, I do like to think and box a lot as well. I’m a bit more mid-range than my dad, because I’ve got long arms for my height, so I do like a little bit of room where I can pick my shots and think about things as well.”

Hatton added Anthony Joshua’s 258 Management company to his team and was able to spend some time with the unified heavyweight champion in his Finchley base earlier this month.

Campbell has seemingly all the resources at his disposal to become a success in the paid ranks and will begin his journey against Jesus Ruiz on Saturday, as he looks to hit the ground running on the biggest stage.

Campbell has took the weight of expectation in his stride thus far and can take one step on the path to success, in what could be another captivating Hatton career and a prospect his dad is relishing.

“I don’t think he’s going to disappoint,” Ricky Hatton told Matchroom Boxing.

“He’s only young and he’s got a way to go. I think people will love his personality, he’s a chip off the old block. Fans will love his fighting style.

“I think people will take him to their hearts like they did with me.

“He’s got a great team behind him with Matchroom and Eddie, he’s got me and Matthew looking after him in the gym. He’s got a heart as big as his dad’s. He has the talent and the ability to be a real force and success story in the game.”

Hatton faces Ruiz on Povetkin-Whyte II bill on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and Ireland and on DAZN in 200 countries.