Dan Dewsbury’s exceptional film chronicles the rapid rise and tragic downfall of boxer Ricky Hatton. The film showcases thrilling boxing footage, including Hatton’s incredible victory over Kostya Tszyu to become the world light-welterweight champion in 2005, despite being seen as the underdog.
However, the film neglects Hatton’s other title wins, as its main focus is on the tension between Hatton’s family and his trusted coach, Billy “The Preacher” Graham. Their strained relationship played a role in pushing Hatton to the brink of suicide.
Hatton’s parents, Carol and Ray, were in his corner, with Ray also serving as Hatton’s manager. Conversely, Graham, who recognized Hatton’s potential when he first saw him as a young boy in the ring at his gym, played a pivotal role as his coach. Observers believed Hatton and Graham were a perfect match in boxing, but their once unbreakable bond eventually shattered.
Watching from the sidelines is Jennifer Dooley, Hatton’s ex-fiancée and the mother of two of his three children. She made the difficult decision to walk away when she realized she couldn’t save Hatton from his downward spiral of substance abuse, depression, and alcoholism. Hatton, who now advocates for men to openly express their emotions, speaks candidly about this period of his life.
“I was leaving when he needed me,” she confesses. “But I had to choose between peace or chaos, and I couldn’t choose chaos anymore.”
Jennifer notes that Graham was like a second father to Hatton, a comment that likely bothers Ray. Hatton’s victory over Tszyu marked the beginning of his downfall, according to promoter Frank Warren. He blames Ray, claiming that Ray demanded more money and referred to their collaboration as selling a diamond instead of a quartz. Warren promptly severed ties with Ray, which allowed chaos to ensue, according to Graham.
It becomes apparent that Hatton had changed as well, reveling in the newfound attention and success that followed his victory over Tszyu. However, during his weigh-in for a highly anticipated fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas, Hatton engaged in trash-talking theatrics by making a throat-slitting gesture towards his opponent. Veteran boxing journalist Steve Bunce, who witnessed the weigh-in, believes this behavior was uncharacteristic of the old Hatton, thinking, “Oh, bollocks — he’s been sucked in! He’s bought into it!”
Mayweather knocked Hatton down twice during the fight, resulting in Hatton’s first loss in his 44-fight career. This defeat sent Hatton spiraling out of control, culminating in a scandal when the News of the World published a photo of him snorting cocaine in a pub toilet.
Predictably, Ray blamed Graham for Hatton’s downfall, and Hatton impulsively fired him. However, Hatton expresses regret over this decision, stating, “I fucking loved him, you know what I mean?”
Graham, who withdrew from the boxing scene, lives in seclusion. He agreed to appear in the documentary after persistent requests and showcases evident anguish over the separation from Hatton.
In a bizarre turn of events, Hatton enlisted Floyd Mayweather Sr., the eccentric father of his previous opponent, as his new coach after Graham’s departure. Hatton admits that he was crumbling as a person during this period.
The animosity continued when Graham took Ray to court, alleging that Ray had mishandled money that rightfully belonged to him. Conversely, Ray argued that the funds were intended for a trust benefiting his son’s family. Hatton doubted his father’s integrity and remained estranged from his parents for eight years. Although they have since reconciled to some extent, it is clear that the relationship most in need of repair is that between Hatton and Graham, as they were more successful together than apart.
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