Campbell Hatton's potential next fight as he wins fans in thrilling first defeat to Jimmy Joe Flint

Campbell Hatton tasted defeat for the first time in Sheffield on Saturday night - but may have finally earned the respect of the watching boxing public. 

Ricky’s lad lost a thriller over 10 rounds as he came up short in his bid to dethrone Central Area super lightweight champion Jimmy Joe Flint. 

Flung on TV as a novice three years ago, the 23-year-old has been the subject of criticism and the butt of many a social media joke in his first 14 fights, all wins. Here though, in defeat, he more than proved the kind of grit and determination he’s got, despite the three judges scoring the enthralling fight 98-92, 97-94 and 97-95 in the Doncaster man’s favour. 

"Early on I stuck to the plan but I have no arguments, he came on strong,” Hatton told DAZN post fight. "I think I did enough but no arguments. I just have to learn. I would love to do that again. All respect to Jimmy Joe. I hope I showed a few people I am more than a silver spoon, I can dig in."

Promoter Eddie Hearn, no stranger to the ‘silver spoon’ jibe himself as the son of Barry, agreed. It appears that attentions will immediately turn to the pair doing it all over again after their Sheffield thriller.

“I really wanted him (Hatton) to win because he gets terrible stick,” the Matchroom boss told iFLTV.  “He’s a lovely kid and he works his nuts off every day. And just because he’s not Ricky Hatton, who was one of the best fighters the country has ever produced, doesn’t mean he’s not a good fighter. 

“His trainer and uncle Matthew Hatton lost on the way up and he went on to win European titles, fight Kell Brook and Canelo Alvarez. Who knows what the future is for Campbell Hatton? But I like the kid, he’s got a good heart, is trying his heart out and he will improve. 

“Tonight he lost but it’s the way you lose and at the end of the day what all of us want to see are great fights and that’s what Campbell Hatton delivered so respect to him for that.  It’s ‘good luck kid, go away, lick your wounds and come back again’. And I’d love to make the rematch.”