Campbell Hatton Retires from Boxing at 24, Cites Family Pressures and Pursues Career in Solar Panel Installation

Campbell Hatton Retires from Boxing at 24, Cites Family Pressures and Pursues Career in Solar Panel Installation

Campbell Hatton Steps Away from Boxing at 24

When your last name is Hatton and your father is one of Britain's most beloved boxing champs, taking up the gloves might seem like destiny. For Campbell Hatton, it was his reality—at least until now. At just 24, the lightweight prospect has decided to retire from professional boxing, closing the book on a career that started with promise but got weighed down by personal and professional hurdles.

Campbell ends his run with a 14-2 record. He kicked off his pro journey with a perfect dozen wins, many coming under the bright lights and big expectations that naturally follow a Hatton. But those last two matches flipped the script. His most recent bout, a points loss to James Flint, came just months after a similarly narrow defeat. Both stings were tough to swallow, especially since his contest with Flint was originally an opportunity to claim the Area title—a key stepping stone for British fighters aiming to crack the next level.

Unlike many of his peers, Campbell came into the paid ranks with almost no amateur experience. That lack of foundational training made every fight a learning curve—and sometimes, the climbs felt steep. He had his supporters, too. For a spell, he was managed by a team tied to Anthony Joshua, Britain's heavyweight megastar. Despite the connections and his own hard work, Campbell struggled to consistently adapt.

Personal Losses and New Beginnings

The decision to retire wasn’t just about what happened inside the ring. Campbell’s motivation took a major hit after the death of a close friend. That emotional blow, mixed with the mounting pressure to live up to his dad’s legacy, made boxing feel less and less like the right path.

Ricky Hatton, the former two-weight world champion and Campbell’s trainer since early 2023, backed his son’s choice to step away. "He gave it a go, but if your heart’s out of it, you need to get out," Ricky said, making it clear that his son’s mental health and happiness came before more fights, titles, or paydays. Away from the gym, Campbell has already thrown himself into a new trade: fitting solar panels. The work is honest, hands-on, and (for now) offers a refreshing change.

Stepping out from his father's long shadow couldn't have been easy. Ricky only recently staged his own much-publicized comeback fight, reminding everyone of the Hatton name’s star power. Campbell’s earlier connection with Manchester City FC—publicly supporting his club and visiting their Entertainment Destination months before leaving boxing—shows he’s still passionate about life beyond the ropes.

The story here isn’t just about wins and losses but about a young man recognizing when it’s time to walk away, reshaping his path without the gloves, the spotlight, or his legendary surname as his only defining feature.