Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton has been described as "cold, merciless and an awful man on the ring"

Ricky Hatton beats Jon Thaxton on points to win the British title in 2000

Despite being cut in the first 15 seconds of the first round, Hatton wins through dazzling speed and great punching power

During the 2001 fight for the WBU Light-Welterweight title Hatton sends his opponent Tony Pep to the canvas three times

Ricky Hatton stops Tony Pep in the fifth round to win the WBU world title

The Hitman defends his WBU Light Welterweight crown by defeating American Vince Phillips in 2003

Although heavily unfavoured, Ricky Hatton outworks Kostya Tszyu to become IBF champion on 5 June

Month later, the Hitman survives two nasty cuts to drop WBA champion Carlos Maussa