Ricky Hatton: The People’s Champion
News of Ricky Hatton’s passing hit like one of his famous body shots — sudden, sharp, and leaving you gasping for air. The loss isn’t just about boxing; it’s about Manchester losing a son, Britain losing a folk hero, and fans everywhere losing the man who fought for them as much as he fought for belts.
Ricky never pretended to be anything other than what he was: a lad from Manchester who took his mates, his music, and his people into the ring with him. He’d walk out to Blue Moon, Union Jack draped on his shoulders, Oasis shaking the rafters — and it wasn’t theatre. It was Ricky. Honest. Gritty. Ours.
Ricky Hatton’s legendary homecoming ring walk vs Juan Lazcano (City of Manchester Stadium)
His family reminded us he was more than the fighter we adored. “So much more than a world champion,” they said. “A loving father, grandfather, and brother … with a heart as big as his smile.” His brother Matthew’s words carried the weight of every pint they’d shared and every scar they’d earned: “I love you Richard. See you on the other side.”
From the boxing world, respect poured in. Manny Pacquiao, who once stopped Ricky in the ring, called him “a great fighter” and “a brave and kind man.” Amir Khan remembered his “mentor and warrior.” Tyson Fury kept it simple: “There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton.” Anthony Joshua saluted “our British hero.” Josh Taylor admitted Ricky was the reason he first laced up gloves. Promoter Frank Warren, who knew him inside and outside the ropes, called him “a modern great.”
Ricky Hatton vs Kostya Tszyu — Full Highlights (2005 classic)
And yet the love reached further. David Beckham spoke of Ricky as “one of a kind … loved by his fans.” Liam Gallagher said he was “absolutely devastated,” remembering the honour of carrying Ricky’s belts. Tommy Fury, heartbroken, wrote: “I turned pro with you by my side Ricky … You’ll always be a massive part of my journey.”
Manchester felt the loss deep. Andy Burnham promised the city would honour him properly, saying Ricky “made us smile and made us proud.” At the derby, City and United put rivalry aside. Players wore black armbands, the stadium fell silent, Ricky’s image filled the screens, and for a moment football gave way to something greater — a city remembering its champion.
Emotional scenes as Man City and Man Utd pay tribute to Ricky Hatton
Ricky Hatton remembered during Manchester derby (Independent Video)
Ricky Hatton will always be remembered for the hooks, the body shots, the pressure, the nights he made arenas roar. But his legacy isn’t measured only in victories. He was the people’s champion because he stayed true — raw, flawed, funny, generous, and real. He carried Manchester to the world, and he carried the world back to Manchester.
Ricky Hatton Ring Entrances Compilation (Blue Moon and more)
He’s gone now, but the sound of Blue Moon, the pride in every punch, and the laughter that followed him out of the ring will stay with us. Ricky Hatton wasn’t just a fighter. He was family to a city, and a friend to anyone who ever saw themselves in him.
Rest easy, Hitman. There will only ever be one.