RICKY Hatton’s devastated Dancing on Ice partner has told how the boxer was excitedly looking forward to his comeback fight before his untimely death.
Robin Johnstone, who competed with the 46-year-old on the ITV show last year, opened up about her loss after he was earlier today.
Robin Johnstone and Ricky Hatton were partnered on the Dancing on Ice 2024
The pair dressed up in boxing gear for their dance
Known as The Hitman, Ricky won four world titles after trading blows with some of history’s greatest fighters and was in training to face United Arab Emirates fighter Eisa Al Dah over eight three-minute rounds in December.
Robin told the Mirror : “I’m devastated. It’s so sad. Ricky was a friend.
“He’d been doing so well. He was talking about getting ready for his big fight and was all excited… it’s very shocking.
“He was really sweet. Such a good guy.
“My last memory of him is him looking out at me on the ice during Torvill and Deane’s show with his girls and his eyes were just lit up, he was so excited to watch us, as were his girls.
“His kids were everything to him.”
Hatton, who was awarded an MBE, had worked as a promoter and trainer since hanging up his gloves after a career that spanned from 1997 to 2012,.
He told The Sun recently about his planned comeback: “I think I know what fights I’m capable of doing and I know which fights are beyond me. And this one is one I’m capable of doing. Don’t worry about me.”
He added: “It makes me feel so proud that I was so loved and that people get worried when they hear of me making a comeback. But I’m not as daft as I look.
“I know what fights are beyond me, I know which fights are silly for me, I know which fights I’m capable of and which ones are sensible for me.
“And this is one of them, so I’ll do you proud again.
“The party can’t last forever.
“Sooner or later, you’ve got to slow down. And I think I’ve reached that stage.
“But I’m in such a good place mentally, from where I was a few years back, and physically.
Ricky Hatton's biggest boxing wins
By
Paulie Malignaggi, November 2008
In his first fight since splitting with long-time trainer Billy Graham, Hatton dominated Malignaggi in one of his best displays of boxing.
Coached by Floyd Mayweather Sr, Hatton would earn a 2009 fight with Manny Pacquiao, which ended in a horrifying KO loss.
Luis Collazo, June 2007
Hatton dropped the veteran American in the opening seconds of round one and looked on course for a demolition job.
But he was taken to the brink over 12 rounds but held on to victory – earning him a super-fight with Floyd Mayweather six months later.
Kostya Tszyu, June 2005
Russian-born Aussie Tszyu was behind only Floyd Mayweather in the pound-for-pound rankings when he travelled to Manchester.
And Hatton pulled off a career-best win to stop Tszyu in the 11th round of what was a brutal war. He became light-welterweight world champ.
Eamonn Magee, June 2002
Hatton was dropped by the Irishman and looked to be on the brink of defeat.
But he got to his feet and rallied back to win over 12 rounds – showcasing his trademark grit and determination.
Jon Thaxton, October 2000
Hatton had to overcome a nasty cut – not for the first time in his career – to edge out a points win.
It won him the British light-welterweight title.
“I haven’t got a six pack these days, but, you know, ‘s belly’s gone.
“So things are all good and it’s nice from how bad it was to what it is now.
“Most people most weeks, say, ‘From where you were, Rick, to what you’re doing now, it’s so inspiring. And that’s half the reason why I do it as well.”
