Senate Resolution No. 1704

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Richard John Hatton upon the occasion of
his induction into the International Boxing Hall of
Fame and Museum

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding professionals in the boxing industry who distinguished
themselves through their exceptional performance, attaining
unprecedented success and the highest level of personal achievement;
Richard John Hatton is one such individual, and his life of achievements
inspired others and contributed to the respect and admiration of the
sport of boxing; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Richard John Hatton upon the occasion of his induction into the
International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum; he will be honored within
the Modern category of boxers at the 35th Anniversary celebration from
June 6-9, 2024, in Canastota, New York; and

WHEREAS, Richard John Hatton was born in Stockport, Cheshire, United
Kingdom, on October 6, 1978; and

WHEREAS, Following an amateur record of 73-7, Ricky "The Hitman"
Hatton turned professional in 1997; in 2001, he defeated Tony Pep (TKO
4), winning the World Boxing Union (WBU) super lightweight title, and
reigned until 2004, scoring victories over Freddie Pendelton (KO 2),
Eamonn Magee (W 12), Vince Phillips (W 12), Ben Tackie (W 12), Michael
Stewart (TKO 5), and Ray Oliveira (KO 10) before facing International
Boxing Federation (IBF) king Kostya Tszyu; and

WHEREAS, In front of a raucous Manchester crowd, Ricky "The Hitman"
Hatton scored an upset as Kostya Tszyu did not show for the 12th round;
he added the World Boxing Association (WBA) belt with a ninth-round
knockout over Carlos Maussa and was named The Ring's 2005 "Fighter of
the Year"; and

WHEREAS, Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton became a two-weight champion with
a triumph over Luis Collazo (W 12) for the WBA welterweight belt in
2006; victories over Juan Urango (W 12) for the International Boxing
Organization (IBO) light welterweight belt and Jose Luis Castillo (KO 4)
preceded a World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title match against
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (TKO 10); and

WHEREAS, Making a comeback with two victories against Juan Lazcano
(W 12) and Paulie Malignaggi (TKO 11), Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton
challenged Manny Pacquiao (KO 2) in 2009; for three years, he remained
inactive but returned for one more challenge, a ninth-round loss to
Vyacheslav Senchenko in 2012; and

WHEREAS, Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton retired with a professional
docket of 45-3 (32 KOs); attaining the Member of the British Empire
(MBE) award for services to the boxing sport in 2007, he is known as one

of the most beloved British fighters of all time; while retired, he
trains and promotes potential champion boxers in the United Kingdom; and

WHEREAS, Richard John Hatton clearly contributed to the spirit of
excellence which is a tradition of the International Boxing Hall of
Fame; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such outstanding accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Richard John Hatton upon the occasion of his induction into the
International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Richard John Hatton.