TRAGIC boxing great Ricky Hatton was yesterday hailed as a champion of the world and the people after his shock death.
Heartfelt tributes were paid from around the globe to the working-class fighting legend, who was a massive Oasis and Manchester City fan.
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His beloved side’s home derby against United yesterday saw both sets of players wearing black armbands, with an emotional applause held before kick-off.
City boss Pep Guardiola fought back tears on the touchline as he remembered hugely popular father-of-three Ricky, who had the club’s Blue Moon anthem as his walk-on music before fights.
Guardiola said: “For all the Man City family it was a tough wake-up. Of course the success, a world champion, a massive fan of City.
“But the loss for his family, his kids and he was a grandad.
Read more on Ricky Hatton
“On behalf of Man City and all the people I wish them the comfort in these incredibly tough hours, tough days and tough weeks.”
‘Always had time for everyone’
Ricky’s pal Paddy McGuinness became choked up with shock as he heard the devastating news while hosting his BBC Radio 2 show.
He told listeners: “Apologies everyone, just had to play a couple of songs back to back there, I’ve just learned this terrible news that a great mate of mine has passed away, Ricky Hatton.”
After a long pause, McGuinness added: “God. Ricky mate, wherever you are, this is for you…”
He played Frank Sinatra’s version of Blue Moon and later posted online: “World Champion. People’s Champion. From being out in Vegas to the streets of Manchester, he always had time for everyone. Rest In Greatness champ.”
Ricky was also close to Oasis brothers and fellow Man City fans Liam and Noel Gallagher, who are currently on tour in Mexico.
They carried his belts into the ring ahead of his 2008 win over Paulie Malignaggi in Vegas, and celebrated with him afterwards.
This summer, Ricky told how he was “made up” to see Oasis’s first comeback gig in Cardiff, and also posted a photo of himself at the band’s Dublin show.
Stunned fellow ring heroes were also among those paying tribute to the 46-year-old, who posted a video from a coaching session at his local boxing gym late last week.
Heavyweight legend Tyson Fury said: “There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this, so young.”
Former world champ Amir Khan called him his “friend and mentor”, adding: “Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it.
“We must reach out. We must lean on each other.”
He added: “To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out.”
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Two-time world heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua added: “RIP Hitman. One of the best to do it. Our British hero.”
Former world champ and I’m A Celebrity star Barry McGuigan said: “He was a man of the people and a spectacular fighter. A great man inside the ring and a wonderful man outside of it.”
Boxing promoter Frank Warren said Ricky would go down “as one of the modern greats of this sport”.
He went on: “A superbly talented fighter who inspired a generation of young boxers and fans in a way very few had done before due to both his personality and the entertainment he provided in the ring.”
‘All for him’
Fellow promoter Eddie Hearn said: “Everybody loved Ricky. May he rest in eternal peace.”
City supporters yesterday belted out Blue Moon in the same stadium where Ricky beat Juan Lazcano in a light-welterweight bout in 2008 in front of 55,000 fans.
Midfielder Phil Foden, who opened the scoring in the 3-0 win over rivals Man United, dedicated the victory to Ricky.
He said after the match: “I had extra motivation going into the game. It was for him, his family and people suffering right now. It was all for him.”
He’s such a British icon . . . a true Man City fan. But most importantly he was a man of the people
Micah Richards
The club said “few, if any, British boxers can claim to have garnered such a dedicated fanbase”.
It added: “His audience were captivated by his relentless, front-foot boxing style and felt a deep connection to the humble, down-to-earth human being he had always been.
“Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters. He will always be remembered.”
Manchester United said: “Sending our heartfelt condolences to Ricky’s loved ones on the loss of a legend of our city.”
Former City star and telly pundit Micah Richards described the news of his friend’s death as “devastating”.
He added: “He’s such a British icon . . . a true Man City fan. But most importantly he was a man of the people.
“He was the nicest guy ever — I remember going down to one of his gyms and I was a bit nervous because I didn’t know about boxing and he said, ‘Just do this’ and he took his time.
“I’ve been multiple times for beers with him just talking about football and life. To get this news now is just surreal.”
Former Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany, now boss at Bayern Munich, posted a picture of him with the boxer and Oasis frontman Liam.
Slippers to Vegas for ‘joker’
By Niall Hickman, Journalist & friend of Ricky
RICKY Hatton was one of the finest boxers the UK has ever seen.
He fought for years against addictions, but I prefer to remember the amazing times before fame came along.
I first met him when he was 18, still living at home with his mum, dad and brother.
He showed me his tiny bedroom, with pictures of his favourite fighters on the wall. We chatted for hours and hours.
Years later, we spent days together as I ghost-wrote his autobiography.
He never stopped joking. An avid fan of Only Fools And Horses, it came as natural as lacing up his boxing boots to drive around in a Del Boy three-wheeler, complete with blow-up doll on the passenger seat.
He even had the sheepskin coat!
He loved Man City, Oasis, boxing, his children and a good time with pals.
My abiding memory will be of the lad who came to the door in his caveman slippers and went on to the bright lights of Las Vegas.
Rest in peace.
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He wrote: “We’ll miss you Ricky. Our thoughts are with the family and friends. Rest in peace legend.”
Ex-Man United captain Roy Keane described Ricky as a “warrior” and said: “We know how tough that sport is but, my god, he gave everything for that sport.
“He left everything in that ring, it’s absolutely shocking news.”
England and United great Wayne Rooney also called him “a legend, a warrior and a great person.”
Old Trafford and England hero David Beckham wrote: “Ricky was one of a kind. Just heartbreaking. He was special in so many ways, and loved by his fans.”
Reality TV star-turned-boxer Tommy Fury said: “Heartbroken doesn’t even come close.
Thoughts go out to all of his family at this horrible time. RIP my friend
Phil Taylor
“I turned pro with you by my side Ricky and you’ll always be a massive part of my journey in boxing and in life. I am so shocked and gutted.”
Pal and former footballer Dean Windass wrote: “OMG, spoke to him a couple of days ago. RIP champion, my thoughts go to his family, absolutely devastated.”
The 16-time former world darts star Phil Taylor said of Ricky: “Thoughts go out to all of his family at this horrible time. RIP my friend.”
There were also tributes from his local football team, Hyde United FC. The club said: “He was a local and boxing legend who always championed local sport and brought joy into so many lives.
“A huge, committed figure who gave dedicated time back to the community.”
Broadcaster Piers Morgan said: “What incredibly sad news.”
The Soccer Aid charity also posted a series of photos of Ricky wearing an England football kit.
Ricky Hatton’s biggest boxing wins
By Jack Figg
Paulie Malignaggi, November 2008
In his first fight since splitting with long-time trainer Billy Graham, Hatton dominated Malignaggi in one of his best displays of boxing.
Coached by Floyd Mayweather Sr, Hatton would earn a 2009 fight with Manny Pacquiao, which ended in a horrifying KO loss.
Luis Collazo, June 2007
Hatton dropped the veteran American in the opening seconds of round one and looked on course for a demolition job.
But he was taken to the brink over 12 rounds but held on to victory – earning him a super-fight with Floyd Mayweather six months later.
Kostya Tszyu, June 2005
Russian-born Aussie Tszyu was behind only Floyd Mayweather in the pound-for-pound rankings when he travelled to Manchester.
And Hatton pulled off a career-best win to stop Tszyu in the 11th round of what was a brutal war. He became light-welterweight world champ.
Eamonn Magee, June 2002
Hatton was dropped by the Irishman and looked to be on the brink of defeat.
But he got to his feet and rallied back to win over 12 rounds – showcasing his trademark grit and determination.
Jon Thaxton, October 2000
Hatton had to overcome a nasty cut – not for the first time in his career – to edge out a points win.
It won him the British light-welterweight title.
