Campbell Hatton Has it All to Prove
Having a Dad as a former world champion has its benefits and its problems. Just ask Campbell Hatton – he’ll know.
The path to becoming a professional is certainly smoother when you’ve got a contact book like the Hatton’s, but once you’re there, the spotlight burns a whole load brighter. The constant comparisons to your Dad, the pressure to uphold the family reputation, the accusations of Nepotism.
Now he’s a name in the domestic boxing scene, it’s down to Campbell to establish himself in his own right, rather than be “Campbell Hatton, Ricky Hatton’s son”.
Changes Afoot
It’d be fair to say Campbell’s rise hasn’t exactly been meteoric. He’s 14 of his 15 bouts, with 5 by knockout.
The wins haven’t been short of controversy though – against Sonni Martinez in his 4th fight, Hatton was awarded a points win. Many, myself included, thought the decision was a disgrace. In winning the fight, it heaped even more pressure onto Hatton, because the calls of ‘he only won because he’s called Hatton’ were impossible to ignore.
In his last fight, he lost on points to Doncaster’s Jimmy Flint. It was a step up for Hatton, and he’ll be looking to avenge the defeat on Saturday.
Campbell Hatton Made Changes
Following the defeat, Hatton made the decision to switch up his training team, leaving his Uncle Matthew’s tutelage, and heading to Essex to work with Ben Davison – the man who helped Tyson Fury return to the top, and get Anthony Joshua back on track.
At Davison’s gym, Hatton is working with elite fighters daily, and it’ll be interesting to see what difference the change in trainer has made to Hatton. Being in a gym where he’s a prospect, rather than a big deal will probably do him some good and take the pressure off.
In many ways Hatton is starting again, and has it all to prove.
At his age a second defeat wouldn’t be the death knell for his career, but it’ll certainly re-frame where he fits in the domestic boxing landscape. A second loss at domestic level would show a name only gets you so far – you’ve got to back it up yourself in the ring.
Despite neither fighter possessing frightening power, they’re both fit, sharp boxers who will be looking to apply a lot of pressure. It’s unlikely this one will be decided by KO, so it’ll be the busier, more aggressive boxer who takes the win.
Keep your eyes on this one – there’s a central area lightweight title on the line, and both men will want it badly.
