Adam Smith looks at how hard work and perseverance has finally paid off for Matthew Hatton.
Hatton ready to make his mark
The name 'Hatton' will forever be entwined in British boxing history.
Richard. Ricky. The Hitman. The boy-next-door who thrilled us on his way to the top of the light-welterweight division, with his loveable personality and swash-buckling fighting style.
For the best part of his life, Ricky's younger brother has been well and truly in the shadows. Until now. For after a long, hard journey, Matthew Hatton stands as the European Welterweight Champion. This Friday night in Bolton, he makes his first defence against Yuri Nuzhnenko - a rock-solid former world champion who's only been beaten once in 32 fights.
Matthew wasn't born with the same amount of natural boxing talent as his brother. He's also a different personality, and of course hasn't enjoyed nearly as sweet or successful a rise - both in sporting and financial terms. Publicity-wise, Matthew just hasn't been as marketable as Ricky; despite the fact that boxing brothers obviously have appeal.
They do get on great though; they're really close pals, and are from a very tight-knit family. Mum Carol and Dad Ray have always treated them as equals, and rightfully so.
Ray told me: "Ricky might be a world champion, but I'm just as proud of Matthew - whatever belt he wins. Carol and I get as nervous watching Matthew at ringside as when Ricky boxes. All we care about is that our boys come out safe.'
'As for Richard,' Ray continued, 'He's much more worried watching his little brother than he is about his own fights.'
They're hugely supportive of each other, but enjoy plenty of their own independence, and are often seen as contrasting characters. There is a quiet air of sensibility with Matthew; although people feel he's not as engaging as Ricky when you first meet him, and is harder to get to know.
Dogged determination
What Matt does have is a steely resolve. He is also thoroughly dedicated and disciplined. Almost 24:7. In many ways far more than his big brother. Matthew's needed to be; for what he lacks in raw ability, he makes up for in dogged determination and hard grind.
Matthew's long carved his own niche. Even at home, he's the odd one out. The City fanatics in the Hyde household call Matthew the 'runt of the litter' - he's a Manchester United fan!
Matthew's been fiercely competitive since the days when he used to kick-box as a kid. I remember watching a very old video of the Hatton brothers in an exhibition. Matthew was far more aggressive - and seems to have always had that burning desire to battle his way through.
Like Ricky's early success at the youth set-up with Manchester City, Matthew was very interested in football. Yet he turned down the opportunity of playing for Oldham Athletic to concentrate on boxing.
A late-starter - at 15, Matthew only had 22 amateur bouts, and never had the impact or reputation that his brother did in the unpaid ranks. He managed to win an ABA novice title, but decided to turn over in 2000.
Coming through the ranks
It has been a slow rise over his decade as a pro. Matthew was brought along very carefully - largely on Ricky's undercards. His unbeaten record was snapped in his 14th fight by journeyman David Kirk. It was a controversial defeat - and maybe an indication that Matthew wasn't always going to get the rub of the green, despite his family connection.
Matthew was also stopped on a cut by David Keir, and held to a draw by fringe contender
