Former middleweight champion Darren Barker, who conducted the last interview with boxing legend Ricky Hatton, has expressed his deep regret that their conversation had to come to an end. Barker, 43, was saddened when the Hitman had to leave after a revealing 90-minute podcast, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
The duo sat down for a chat in September, just days before the ex-two-weight world champion was tragically found dead at his home, leaving the British boxing community and Manchester in shock. Barker spoke highly of the Mancunian, who opened up about his journey in the sport and his struggle with depression. The news of Hatton’s death left the former fighter heartbroken.
“I remember leaving him after that interview and I was gutted because I enjoyed his company that much,” Barker shared with The Sun.
“I said this at the start of the pod, he was quintessentially Ricky Hatton. He was so funny, so warm towards me and the crew that were there, he was just spot on, he was perfect. And it was so nice to hear all of those stories directly from him.
“He was just a person that everyone wanted to be around; a great man, a boxing man, a family man, the people’s man and I was gutted that the interview was over.
“I was just gutted. I really am gutted.”
Hatton took pride in his place in boxing history, having won his first world title against Kostya Tszyu, and faced legendary figures such as Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao.
Barker was equally taken aback by the boxer’s rapport with his ardent fanbase, who would follow him from Manchester to Las Vegas.
He said: “He was just that man-next-door, that relationship that he had with his fans.
“When I asked him how he wanted to be remembered, he mentioned the likes of Frank Bruno and Nigel Benn.
“And his name is in that mix and he was so proud to be alongside those great names.”
During their chat, Hatton disclosed that he had received letters from individuals who had been inspired by his journey to improve their own lives.
“Look at the things I’ve been able to do since,” he said. “Positive things that have inspired others as well as myself because I went to speak to someone.
“That’s my job today. I’m a trainer today and if I can pass on half of what I have from boxing… some of my boxers come up to me and say, ‘I paid the mortgage off today, Rick’… that’s what it’s about.
“If I can go and speak to someone about mental health… when I get letters through the post saying they took on board what I said and I inspired them… it helps other people and it makes me feel good because I’ve helped others.”