By Shaun Campbell: Is it time for Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton to retire? Firstly, both the British and American public would see no shame in Hatton hanging up his gloves to enjoy his retirement with his family. Ricky being a very family-orientated guy, needs to strongly think about his little boy Campbell and fiancée Jennifer before he makes a decision on his future. But at the end of the day, the only person that will tell Ricky Hatton what to do is Ricky Hatton.

Why does he need to fight on? Well, obviously Ricky will be tempted, as no fighter wants to finish on such a devastating loss. Hatton always wants to please his fans, and there’s no doubt he feels as if he has failed them. Knowing him, he has never been solely motivated by money, but promoters may offer stupid amounts of money to get him back. Although he may not have been as talented as the great Floyd Mayweather, Ricky is far more entertaining. Lets not forget the legendary Micky Ward. Not the best record, not the best boxer, but when it came to bravery, courage and excitement, he was pound for pound king. After his 3rd fight with Gatti, Micky was offered over $1,000,000 to return (which was considered a lot), to which he replied “Are they crazy?” And thats the type of man Micky is. Thats the type of man Ricky is. Honest.

Ricky Hatton does not need to fight on. Watching his head hit the floor and hearing Jennifer’s scream (which will never leave those at ringside’s memory), after that brutal left hook from Manny Pacquiao is something his fans will never want to experience again. Hatton would risk permanent damage to make his fans proud. But in all honesty, he has nothing left to prove. Should he retire now he will go down as a hero, an inspiration, and a true gentleman of the sport. His place in the British Hall of Fame is already settled. He is there. So what’s left for him to accomplish? Realistically Ricky knows he won’t get another shot at the pound for pound title. But he does have the best pound for pound fans on the planet, which in his own words is “priceless”.

On Thursday the 14th May he is due to open his new gym. He is now embarking on becoming a great promoter like his friend Oscar De La Hoya. It is likely he will make his decision there and then. Should he bid farewell to the sport he has sparkled in since the ages of 10, then his fans can all breathe a sigh of relief. His true fans would not want to see him hurt. Richard Hatton, a funny, kind, and down to earth man of the people, thank you for the memories, now go and enjoy the life you deserve.