Campbell Hatton, the 19-year-old son of Ricky Hatton, has made the switch from amateur to professional with a multi-fight promotional deal for Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing.
The younger Hatton will be managed by his father, who went 45-3 and held multiple world light-welterweight championships plus the WBA welterweight crown as he established himself as one of Britain's most popular boxers of all-time.
Continuing the family ties, Hatton will be trained by his uncle Matthew, who competed until 2013 and fought the likes of Kell Brook and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.
Matchroom has confirmed that his pro debut will take place in February 2021, though the company has yet to formally announce any cards for that month. It is likely Hatton will slot in on the undercard of one of Hearn's upcoming shows with a world championship fight in the main event.
“It’s a dream come true to sign with Eddie and Matchroom,” said the teenager. “There’s no bigger platform in the world that I could be signed to, so I’m in a great position.
"I can’t wait to get in there now, my goal is to be as busy as possible to start with, and to just keep learning and improving with each fight.
“I had always done bits in the gym with my dad and Matthew growing up, but I first started boxing properly when I was about 14. My grandad took me down to Northside ABC in Clayton and I loved it ever since. I had a handful of fights for them then moved to Roy Richardson's Boxing Academy.
“In the amateurs I won a National Novice title and two North West titles. After winning the Novices it was hard to get matched with fighters with a similar amount of fights so I ended up boxing a lot of National champions and international fighters which brought me on massively.
“I think now is the right time for me to turn over to the pro ranks because from a young age I’ve always been told I have had a very professional style and that never did me any favors as an amateur, which has always made me eager to turn over. Now I’ve got the experience behind me I’m in a position where I’m not just capable to do it, I can do it and impress people."
Hatton will start out as a considerably lighter boxer than his father and uncle, but has his eyes on working his way up to what is arguably the best weight class in the sport today.
“I’m looking at starting out as a super-featherweight, but I think I’ll fill out to be a solid lightweight eventually," continued Hatton.
"I’ve got a style that people will really take to, I’m very aggressive and have a high work rate and bang well to the body and I also like to think, box clever and pick my shots, but when the time is right I won’t shy away from a tear up.
“I’m very lucky to be in the position I’m in with my dad being a former world champion and my uncle Matthew also being a world title challenger as well because their experience in the game is second to none. There aren’t many people who can say they have that sort of advice.
“Me and my dad get on really well. I think it’s because we are so similar, we have the same sense of humor, same interests and the same passion for boxing. It’s such a big part of both of our lives which makes us very lucky to be able to share that.”
There is a certain degree of irony to the link-up. Hatton Promotions, headed up by Ricky, was no longer able to screen their shows on Sky Sports after Hearn's company signed exclusive terms with Adam Smith at Sky almost a decade ago.
Nonetheless, the great deal of respect Hearn has for the entire Hatton fighting family was evident at the unveiling.
“I had a meeting with Campbell and Ricky and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up," Hearn explained. "We have a chance to do something very special in Manchester here and we will do everything we can to guide Campbell the right way.
"The pressure is on him but he has a great head in his shoulders and a city behind him that will support him every step of the way. Let’s have some fun!"
The in-ring career of the senior Hatton came to an end in 2012 with a thrilling defeat to Vyacheslav Senchenko in an ill-fated comeback attempt, three years after a brutal knockout loss to Manny Pacquiao.
The only other boxer to conquer "The Hitman" was 50-0 all-time great Floyd Mayweather Jr.
“I’m extremely proud of Campbell turning professional,” added his legendary father. “I’ve been proud of him since the day he was born.
"He’s a fine young man and he’s following in my footsteps. My mum and dad brought me up in a certain way and I’d like to think I’m doing the same thing with Campbell."