Zak Sylvester shares the personal story that inspired Conversations That Matter, a new Beyond the Cage webinar series honouring Ricky Hatton’s legacy through real stories and honest reflection.

by Zak Sylvester

Over the past few weeks, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about Ricky Hatton.

I met Ricky a couple of years ago during a trip to Thailand. He was out in Bangtao running a seminar, a legend of the sport, but more than that, a genuine, down-to-earth man who made everyone feel seen.

That night, a few of us sat down after training and talked for hours. Ricky shared stories, reflections, moments of humour, and one line that stuck with me ever since:

“If something sits on your heart, if you’re passionate about it, just make it happen.”

It wasn’t said for effect. It came from experience, from someone who had lived both the highs of being world champion and the lows of struggling with mental health.

When I heard about the launch of The Ricky Hatton Foundation, it reminded me why those words meant so much. Ricky had a rare ability to bring people together through honesty, warmth, and openness, qualities that are often missing in a world that teaches men to stay quiet.

That’s what inspired me to create Conversations That Matter.

For the past few years, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible role models, world champions, psychologists, and educators, who share one thing in common: they care about people. Not just about performance or results, but about helping others find meaning in what they do.

And yet, even surrounded by that kind of talent, I’ve seen how easily we can lose connection, how life gets louder, how pressure builds, and how men, in particular, drift into silence.

Conversations That Matter was born from a desire to change that.

It’s a monthly space where we slow down and have real, honest conversations about purpose, identity, and growth, the kind that stay with you long after the call ends.

These sessions aren’t interviews; they’re human exchanges. They’re about exploring the lessons that shape us, through adversity, transition, creativity, and reflection.

Because what I learned from Ricky, and what I see every day through Beyond the Cage, is that it only takes one real conversation to change how someone feels seen, understood, or valued.

That’s the legacy I want to build on.

Conversations That Matter begins this November, starting with Chartered Psychologist Steven Sylvester, followed by world champions Shay Walsh, Robbie Wells, Corey Cain, educator Andrew Zair, and creative director Peter Bromfield.

Each brings their own story, but the goal is the same: to share the lessons that last.

If you’ve ever been moved by a story, or changed by a moment of honesty, then you already understand what this series is about.

It’s a simple idea, but one that carries forward Ricky’s message in the best possible way.

Real stories.

Honest reflection.

Lessons that last.