talkSPORT’s Spencer Oliver has led the tributes to Ricky Hatton with an emotional eulogy to the British boxing icon.
The two-weight world champion was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday morning.
Hatton has passed away at 46 years oldGettyThe news was confirmed by the Greater Manchester Police, who say that his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Hatton leaves behind a boxing legacy that includes reigns as a super lightweight and welterweight world champion.
‘Hitman’ fought the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Paulie Malignaggi, and Kostya Tszyu during a star-studded 48-fight (45-3) career and was set to return to the ring in December.
The 46-year-old was beloved by the boxing community, and that was reflected by Oliver, who gave a fitting tribute.
“Shocking news, it really is,” Oliver told talkSPORT.
“I’ve just walked in the door to find out this news, and it’s very sad. Ricky was a great fighter who had a great career over 48 fights.
“No one had the fanbase that Ricky Hatton had; he had 20,000 people travelling to Las Vegas when he boxed Floyd Mayweather back in 2007.
“He had a glittering career, he really did. Only losing three of those 48 fights, and they were to the best.
“A real sad loss, he’s a beautiful guy, and my condolences go out to Ricky’s family at this time.”
“He’ll be sorely missed, because outside of boxing, he was a beautiful human being.
Hatton’s iconic career is already one of the most celebrated in British boxing historyAFP“He did have his demons, he struggled with life after boxing, depression is a big thing, mental health is big thing.
“He really is [a big advocate for mental health awareness]…Ricky Hatton was that guy; we saw through life he had a troubled life after boxing, and he never really came to terms with it.
“He had a beautiful life outside of that, but it wasn’t enough; boxing was a big part of that that he missed and couldn’t get over.”
Frank Warren (Hatton’s former promoter)
Warren promoted Hatton for much of his career“I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton,” posted Warren, who promoted Hatton for much of his early career.
“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.
“From making his debut Widnes in 1997 to then go on to win one of the most historic fights in British boxing history against Kostya Tszyu in Manchester, Ricky will rightly go down as one of the modern greats of this sport.
“My deepest condolences go out to his family at this awful time.”
Amir Khan (Former super lightweight world champion)
Khan was a close friend of HattonGetty“Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton,” wrote Khan, who was close friends with Hatton.
“As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong — we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind. 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.
“Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible.
Ricky Hatton career achievements
Titles/Awards
Lineal/Ring Magazine Light Welterweight Championship (2005 – 2009, 5 defences) IBF Light Welterweight Title (2005 – 2007, 2 defences) WBA Super Lightweight Title (2005 – 2006, 0 defences) WBA Welterweight Title (2006, 0 defences) British Super Lightweight Title (2000) 2005 Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the YearNotable wins
Kostya Tszyu RTD11 – June 2005 Jose Luis Castillo KO4 – June 2007 Paulie Malignaggi TKO11 – November 2008 Luis Collazo UD – May 2006 Carlos Maussa – KO9 – November 2005“To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding.
“Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”
Manchester City (Hatton’s beloved football club)
“Manchester City are devastated to learn Ricky Hatton has passed away, aged 46.
“Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters, who will always be remembered for a glittering boxing career that saw him win world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight.
“Everyone at the Club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
“We can confirm there will be a minute’s appreciation ahead of today’s game against Manchester United.”
Frank Bruno (Former heavyweight world champion)
“What can I say I’m absolutely devastated. RIP My friend,” tweeted Bruno, accompanied by a picture of the pair together.
Chris Eubank Jr (Middleweight contender)
“Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you,” wrote Eubank Jr.
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