Manchester Mourns Boxing Legend Ricky Hatton Ahead of Funeral
Manchester is preparing to bid farewell to boxing icon Ricky Hatton, whose funeral will be held next week. The outpouring of grief reflects Hatton’s status as a sporting hero and beloved figure in his hometown, remembered as much for his humility and connection to fans as for his achievements in the ring.
Hatton, who died aged 45 on October 28, 2023, captivated a nation with his aggressive fighting style and relatable personality. His rise to prominence coincided with a period of growth for Manchester City Football Club, and he is credited with raising the profile of the team during a less successful era. “Rick was a bit of a shining light in that period. He got City’s brand out there to millions of people,” said danny Jackson,a close friend and manchester City’s matchday announcer.
The Manchester Arena, which opened in 1995, played a central role in hatton’s career. he fought 15 professional fights at the venue, which became known as his “fortress.” By 2005,he was selling out the arena,culminating in a historic victory over Kostya Tszyu. Hatton stopped Tszyu, then considered the world’s best light-welterweight, to win the IBF title. Anthony Crolla, a retired world champion, described the fight as “one of the greatest nights Manchester has ever had in any sport.”
Beyond his boxing success, Hatton was celebrated for remaining grounded and connected to his roots. He regularly celebrated victories at the New Inn in Hyde, hosting gatherings nicknamed the “not-so-nice shirt nights.” “He didn’t wont to swan off to celebrity hotspots; he wanted to be around his mates and having a laugh,” Jackson explained.Stories of his playful side, such as dressing as ‘Ginger Spice’ Geri Halliwell at a fancy dress party, further cemented his image as “one of them” in the eyes of Manchester fans.
Even in later life, Hatton maintained his approachable nature, recently participating in a friend’s stag do in portugal where he playfully accepted a prank involving dissolvable swimming shorts. “He took the stick, he gave the stick, just a normal guy,” Jackson recalled, highlighting the enduring appeal of a champion who never forgot where he came from.
