He defended his Junior Welterweight Title something like 26 times and only lost to two fighters considered p4p the best. Named 2005 fighter of the year.

Is it not that "elite fighter" considered to be the group of fighters at the top of the weightclass? What the time frame? Are you talking about all time elite/great fighters? or are you asking was he ever considered an elite fighter?

Today, if you consider the top 4 or 5 as elite, (arguably) Pacquiao, Bradley, Holt, writer and Urango is Hatton competitive against these fighters? Absolutely! with one exception.

Yesterday, (figuratively, say the last 5 years) without a doubt an elite fighter.

ATG, if he retires today, I don't think he makes it to the 100's list.