Manchester City will honour the memory of boxing legend Ricky Hatton with a minute’s applause before Sunday’s game against Manchester United, following his tragic death at the age of 46. The Etihad Stadium will pay its respects to the lifelong City fan and former world champion, who was always open about his love and support for the club.
In addition, both teams will don black armbands as a mark of respect for one of Manchester’s most celebrated sportsmen. Known as ‘The Hitman’, Hatton was a two-weight world champion and is remembered as one of the most charismatic and talented fighters Britain has ever seen, with a dedicated fan base.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police stated: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”
Hatton, who last stepped into the ring professionally in 2012, had an impressive record, winning 45 out of his 48 professional fights. He was scheduled to make a comeback in an exhibition match in Dubai this December.
One of his most memorable victories was at the MEN Arena in 2005 when he defeated Kostya Tszyu to become world champion, a triumph that led more than 30,000 fans to follow him to Las Vegas for his bout with Floyd Mayweather in 2007.
Tributes have been flooding in, with the news of Hatton’s death leaving the sporting world stunned. Micah Richards, the former City defender, shared a heartwarming story about Hatton ahead of the Manchester derby.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “Obviously the news is devastating. We got it what, half an hour ago? I was taken aback, to be honest, because he was such an icon. British icon, boxing, sports, a true Man City fan.
“Most importantly, he was a man of the people. The nicest guy ever. I remember going down to one of his gyms, I was a bit nervous because I didn’t really know about boxing, he said just do this, he took his time.
“For him to take the time and effort, multiple times with beers with him just talking about football and life, he was a deep person. Very deep. He overthought a lot of things and the news is just devastating.
“It’s ruined my mood for the whole day. He’d be here today celebrating. He’s had a box here many times.
“To get this news now feels surreal. For someone so young for it to happen now, it’s devastating.”
For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.