The Last Interview of Ricky Hatton: What the Boxer Remembered Days Before His Death.

The Tragic Final Conversation with Ricky Hatton

According to The Sun: Darren Barker shared his grief as his last interview with Ricky Hatton turned out to be final for the British boxing legend.

43-year-old former middleweight world champion met 46-year-old Hatton at his gym in Manchester on September 9. The conversation lasted 90 minutes and was very engaging.

Two-time world champion, known in boxing circles as 'Hitman', ended the interview to pick up his daughters from school. Unfortunately, on Sunday the 14th, Hatton was found dead in his own home, leaving Barker and the rest of British sport in tears.

The conversation is available online, where Hatton openly shares his memories of his career, the legendary victory over Kostya Tszyu, romance in Las Vegas, and life challenges after boxing.

It is unfortunate that this became his last media appearance, and at the same time, it is a vivid reminder of how sincere, open, and cheerful a 'neighborhood guy' he was in people's memories.

“I remember leaving him after the interview and being just devastated because I really enjoyed his company,” Barker said.

“I noted this at the beginning of the podcast: he was just how Ricky Hatton should have been,” he added. “He was incredibly cheerful, warm towards me and the team that was present. It was just amazing.”

Barker, unaware of the impending tragedy, directly asked Hatton how he would like to be remembered.

“He was just the kind of guy everyone would want to have around; a great man, a boxer, a family man, a man of the people, and I was sad that our interview ended.”

“I really miss him. I am very upset.”

Hatton wanted to be remembered alongside legends like Frank Bruno and Nigel Benn. 'His name became part of this circle, and he was incredibly proud of it,' Barker noted.

Darren Barker will hold a charity boxing event by Pro Project Promotions on October 18, providing an opportunity for ten former footballers to once again be in the spotlight.

This tragedy has resonated widely among boxing fans and reminded of the immense impact Ricky Hatton had on the sport and on the hearts of those who loved him. His legacy will live on in the memory and history of boxing.