‘A heart as big as his smile’
Hatton’s family released a statement paying tribute to Ricky, saying that the memory of him and his infectious personality will live on.
“He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him,” said the family statement.
“As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.
“Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.”
The statement continued, “Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many.
“He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.
“It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.
“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy – both in boxing and as a man – will continue to live on.”
Hatton’s magic moments
Hatton’s rise from Mancunian scrapper to one of the most beloved fighters in British boxing history came during an incredible run that saw him play to packed houses at Manchester’s MEN Arena as he held the little-known WBU light-welterweight title.
The belt might not have carried the weight of its better-known equivalents from the WBC, WBO and IBF, but Hatton’s performances saw him elevated to within a touching distance of the IBF and The Ring light-welterweight titles held by Kostya Tszyu.
The pair eventually met on June 4, 2005 at the MEN Arena on a night that saw Hatton level up and deliver one of his most memorable performances to force Tszyu to retire on his stool at the end of the 11th round.
It was an incredible display, as Hatton took on one of the division’s biggest punchers, and broke him over the course of 11 rounds.
Hatton then added the WBA titles at light-welterweight and welterweight, as well as the IBO light-welterweight crown.
His victory over Jose Luis Castillo showcased one of Hatton’s biggest weapons, his body shot, as he folded up the Mexican with a vicious liver shot in the fourth round. It helped grow Hatton’s star power on the other side of the pond and put him in line for a crack at the sport’s pound-for-pound great, Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Taking over Vegas
Fighting up a weight at welterweight, rather than his optimal weight of light-welterweight, Hatton took on Mayweather at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8 2007 for the WBC and The Ring titles. And while Mayweather eventually handed Hatton his first career loss, that fight week showcased Hatton’s popularity to the world.
Thousands of Brits jumped on flights to Vegas as Hatton’s fans took over Sin City as they serenaded Hatton with repeated renditions of “There’s Only One Ricky Hatton…”
The fight may not have gone Hatton’s way, as he was stopped by Mayweather in the 10th, but his impact on the sport as one of its most beloved fighters was clear for the world to see.
Hatton returned to light-welterweight and bounced back with wins over Juan Lazcano and Paylie Malignaggi, but was knocked out in the second round by Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in May 2009. At that point, the writing appeared to be on the wall.
We didn’t see Ricky in the ring again until a homecoming fight at the MEN Arena with Vyacheslav Senchenko in November 2012. But another knockout loss, this time in the ninth round marked the end of Hatton’s boxing career.
A true people’s champion
Hatton retired with a record of 45 wins (32 by knockout) and three defeats. But his exploits between the ropes were only part of his story. His ability to connect with the British public made him a true man of the people, and he was beloved everywhere he went.
A lifelong Manchester City fan who always walked to the ring to the club’s anthem, “Blue Moon”, Hatton managed to unite a city, with fans of both City and their heated cross-town rivals United equally fervent in their support of “The Hitman”. That was no better illustrated than at the recent Manchester Derby, as both sets of fans joined together to pay their respects to Hatton before kick-off.
The news of his passing on September 14 sent shockwaves through the sport and beyond as some of the sport’s biggest names paid tribute.
A fighter with real passion in the ring, and the rare ability to connect with everyone outside it, Hatton was a one-off.
There really was only one Ricky Hatton. RIP.
