‘Deeply poignant’ tribute to boxer Ricky Hatton signed by Seven Dials

Seven Dials has acquired a “deeply poignant love letter” to British boxer Ricky Hatton by boxing commentator Adam Smith (pictured below), a close friend of Hatton’s who delivered the eulogy at his funeral.

Commissioning editor Tierney Witty acquired world English-language rights to Ricky Hatton: The Light That Never Goes Out from David Luxton at David Luxton Associates on behalf of Jonny McWilliams at TEM. 

The description reads: “Written with the support of Ricky’s family, Adam Smith tells his extraordinary story in full. From Ricky’s early career highlights and his iconic Blue Moon ring walks to his title bouts and fight nights in Las Vegas, as well as his struggles after retirement, his life is captured in vivid detail. Adam was one of Ricky’s closest friends and was with him from the very beginning – at ringside, backstage, in bars, in cars, in takeaways and late-night hotel corridors, through all the triumphs, meltdowns, laughter, heartbreak and healing.

“Adam also writes movingly about how Ricky helped him through his own battle with cancer and provided him with the strength and support he needed to recover. Adam didn’t just tell Ricky’s story on television, he lived it with him. His laugh. His energy. His compassion. His heart. All of it lives on in these pages.”

Witty said: “From the moment I first read Adam’s writing, I knew that this was going to be an incredible book. Raw, emotive and heartfelt, Adam has crafted a deeply personal tribute to Ricky Hatton, one of Britain’s most beloved national treasures, a working-class hero and one of Manchester’s greatest sporting icons. I’m proud to be publishing this book at Orion.”

Smith commented: “I felt compelled to write this book to pay tribute to the giant that was Ricky. He was not only someone who I grew up with in boxing but somebody I grew very close to, along with his entire family. In turn, I fell in love with Ricky like the whole nation did. His death stunned me in a profound way and writing this book has been immensely cathartic, as my way of continuing to connect with him, keeping his indistinguishable light burning and his legacy alive forever.”

The book will be published on 10th September 2026 in hardback, export trade paperback, audiobook and e-book.