Ricky Hatton today finally confirmed his retirement from boxing, more than two years after his last fight saw him knocked out by Manny Pacquiao in their IBO light-welterweight title fight in Las Vegas.

Here, we look back at the Hitman's five finest moments in the ring which defined him as one of the country's most popular fighters.

v Jon Thaxton, October 21, 2000

Hatton showed commendable spirit against the big-punching Norwich man, battling his way to a points victory despite a serious early cut over his left eye which would later require 28 stitches.

v Ben Tackie, December 13, 2003

Hatton summoned up a masterful boxing performance to secure a landslide points win over the rock-hard former world title contender, producing some of the finest footwork and variety of his career.

v Kostya Tszyu, June 4, 2005

Hatton's defining night as he turned on the style in the early hours in Manchester to dethrone the legendary former champion, who was behind on the scorecards when he failed to answer the bell for the final round.

v Carlos Maussa, November 26, 2005

One of Hatton's most under-rated performances as he survived an early cut against the unorthodox Colombian to unify the 140lb titles with a devastating left hook in the ninth round.

v Jose Luis Castillo, June 23, 2007

Hatton's gateway fight to superstardom ended in dramatic fashion when he landed a savage fourth-round liver shot to dump the Mexican great on the canvas and underline his credentials for a shot at Floyd Mayweather.