Ricky Hatton tragically passed away at the weekend aged 46 and held fond memories of the North East.
British boxing is mourning its most beloved son. Ricky Hatton - the only fighter from these shores capable of recruiting a 25,000-strong army of diehards to the Las Vegas Strip - tragically passed away on Sunday aged 46.
The former light-welterweight and welterweight king enjoyed a fry-up and a heavy night on the town as much as anyone. Never one to knock back a selfie, an autograph or a pint, Hatton truly was the people’s champion.
While he proudly sported Manchester City blue for his fights - even walking out to their melancholic anthem Blue Moon - Hatton’s adulation transcended football rivalries. That was evident at the Manchester derby at the weekend when fans came together to eulogise one of the greats.
The North West was Hatton’s stomping ground - and where he fought most - but Newcastle hosted his 31st contest in 2002. A ripping left hook to the body - a trademark of the Hitman’s career - finished Joe Hutchinson at what was then known as the Telewest Arena.
With one stunning stoppage, Hatton swept up a legion of North East fans, many of whom made the journey across the Atlantic for his bouts against Luis Collazo, Juan Urango, Jose Luis Castillo, Floyd Mayweather, Paulie Malignaggi and Manny Pacquiao. That support was never taken for granted.
Ricky Hatton on Newcastle and Alan Shearer
"I'd love to fight there again," Hatton wrote about Newcastle in his 2013 autobiography. "The venue and the support were incredible. Geordies are a bit like Scousers and I love them because they bring so much passion to their sport.
"Frank Warren insisted we could have sold out the venue three or four times over. As it was, the place was packed to the rafters with 12,000 sports-mad Geordies and they went potty when I took out Hutchinson with the sweetest left hook I have ever thrown."
Thrust into the limelight, working-class hero Hatton made many celebrity friends along the way. His kinship with the Gallagher brothers and Wayne Rooney is well-documented, but he also had kind words to say about a Newcastle United legend.
"He (Shearer) struck me as the most normal, down-to-earth bloke I have ever met," Ricky added. "Alan didn't have a minder within 100 yards of him, unlike some footballers I have met, but then again who in Newcastle would want to start a fight with Alan Shearer. He is, rightly, a god up there!"
Manny Pacquiao tribute
One of the greatest of all time - and a former foe - paid homage to Hatton following his passing. Pacquiao wrote on social media: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was not only a great fighter inside the ring but also a brave and kind man in life. “We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history and I will always honor the respect and sportsmanship he showed.
“Ricky fought bravely, not just in the ring, but in his journey through life. He truly had a good fight, and we are all blessed to have been part of his wonderful journey. My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Hatton family and all his loved ones. May the Lord give you strength and comfort in this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”
Read More
Liam Gallagher sends love
Oasis rockstar Liam Gallagher also honoured his dear friend. The Gallagher brothers - both from Manchester and lifelong City fans - carried Hatton’s belts ahead of his win over Malignaggi in 2008.
Gallagher wrote on X: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about RICKY HATTON it was an absolute honour to know him and carry his belts RIP CHAMP LIVE FOREVER LG.”
Continue Reading