Dalton Smith will be honored with the first ever Ricky Hatton WBC Legacy Belt, created in memory of one of Britain’s most beloved boxing figures.
Smith became WBC super lightweight champion in January after knocking out Subriel Matias, joining the line of British fighters to win world honors at 140lbs — the same division where Hatton built some of his greatest nights.
Hatton, who passed away in September at the age of 46, remains closely tied to the division after becoming a unified super lightweight champion and winning major fights against names such as Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo.
For Smith, the tribute carries personal meaning. “Growing up, Ricky Hatton was my hero,” Smith said. “Everything about him - the way he fought, the way he carried himself and the connection he had with the fans - he was what made me fall in love with boxing.”
The belt will be presented on June 7 at Manchester’s AO Arena during the Evening4Ricky event, where figures from boxing and entertainment will gather to celebrate Hatton’s life and legacy. Smith said receiving the belt in Manchester, in Hatton’s name, is something he is “incredibly proud of.”
Image Credit: Sky Sports