Ricky Hatton sends Dancing on Ice presenter flying with jokey punch live on TV

Ricky Hatton sent a presenter flying with a jokey punch during Sunday night's Dancing on Ice season opener.

The former welterweight world champion boxer is taking part in the ITV competition and while he may not be blessed with talent on the ice, he still packs a potent punch.

During the episode, Hatton dangled a microphone over presenter Stephen Mulhern to the amusement of the audience both in the studio and at home.

Mulhern's deliberate attempts to ignore him didn't go down too well with Hatton as well as co-host Holly Willoughby.

Willoughby gave Hatton the green light to do what he does best, and the Manchester-born man obliged by punching Mulhern on the arm.

Hatton's punch sent Mulhern flying as both Willoughby and Hatton then turned away in laughter in a clear indication that this exchange was staged.

The 45-year-old was the first celebrity confirmed for the talent show and has been partnered with Cirque du Soleil ice show performaner Robin Johnstone.

The 45-3 record boxer went with a Rocky movie reference for his and Johnstone's first routine, as the duo opted to skate to Bill Conti’s 'Gonna Fly Now' for their first routine.

Ricky even landing knockout blows on @dancingonice