Redefining Boxing Boundaries: Noah’s Unlikely Clash with Ricky Hatton

Ricky Hatton Documentary Explores the Life of the Former Boxer

Introduction

Ricky Hatton, the former boxer and two-time world champion, is the subject of a new documentary titled “Hatton” produced by Noah Media Group. The film examines Hatton’s life both inside and outside the ring, shedding light on his struggles with mental health and his turbulent relationship with his family. Premiering on Sky Documentaries on August 31, “Hatton” offers a fresh perspective on the life of this well-known athlete.

A Fresh Look at a Well-Documented Life

The director of the documentary, Dan Dewsbury, and the executive producer, John McKenna, spoke about the process of bringing the film together and their goal of creating a new angle on Hatton’s life. The team wanted to delve deeper into the personal struggles and challenges that Hatton faced beyond the boxing ring. One particular aspect they focused on was Hatton’s relationship with his family, which had broken apart and was later repaired. The documentary explores this journey and sheds light on a topic that has never been openly discussed before.

An Empathetic Approach

Dewsbury and McKenna emphasized their intention to approach Hatton’s story with empathy and integrity. They sought to create a film that goes beyond the conventional sports documentary and delves into the complex emotions and experiences of a well-known athlete. Their goal was to build trust with the key contributors to the film, including Hatton’s former trainer Billy Graham and his former partner Jen Dooley. This trust was essential in ensuring that the contributors felt comfortable sharing their experiences and telling the full story.

Unusual Tactics and Personal Touches

The filmmakers used a variety of tactics to create an intimate and honest portrayal of Hatton’s life. They set up a boxing ring on a council estate, providing a familiar and comfortable setting for Hatton. By focusing on boxing, a skill he knows well, the filmmakers were able to capture more authentic and unguarded moments during their interviews. They also discovered unseen footage of Hatton’s early training sessions, adding a personal touch to the documentary.

Archive Footage and Unseen Video

The filmmakers faced the challenge of finding archive footage that showcased Hatton’s life both in and out of the ring. They scoured various sources, including mobile phone videos taken by fans during large events. The ubiquity of mobile phones at these events meant that there were countless possibilities for uncovering unseen footage. The filmmakers were thrilled to find tapes filmed by a man known as Big Al, who had been recording Hatton’s early training sessions. This footage provided a unique texture and a glimpse into the more personal side of Hatton’s life.

Noah Media Group’s Upcoming Slate

“Hatton” is part of Noah Media Group’s autumn slate, which includes a range of compelling documentaries. The lineup features “Adam Hills: Grow Another Foot,” which follows comedian and presenter Adam Hills as he plays rugby league at the international level. “Amputating Alice” explores the journey of Paralympian Alice Tai as she recovers from major surgery to compete again. Additionally, “Made of Steel” examines the rivalry between the England and France teams at the recent Wheelchair Rugby World Cup.

Asking Deeper Questions

McKenna believes that all four films in Noah Media Group’s slate are connected by their exploration of deeper layers of storytelling. Beyond simply achieving one goal or showcasing one aspect of a person’s life, these documentaries aim to delve into what drives individuals and what lies beneath the surface. This approach ensures that the films appeal to a broader audience and provoke deeper thought and discussion.

Conclusion

“Hatton,” the documentary about the life of Ricky Hatton, offers a new perspective on the former boxer. Through interviews, archive footage, and personal touches, the film provides an intimate and honest portrayal of Hatton’s life both inside and outside of the ring. The documentary is part of Noah Media Group’s upcoming slate, which aims to tell stories that go beyond the surface and ask deeper questions about the individuals involved.