Last night, a large crowd gathered at the former training ground of Ricky Hatton to honor the esteemed boxer.
In September last year, Hatton tragically passed away at 46 after taking his own life just before announcing his comeback to the ring. Mourners lined the streets of Manchester for his funeral and returned in force this past weekend to commemorate one of the UK’s most exceptional fighters.
Ray and Carol Hatton, Ricky’s parents, along with his brother Matthew, a former boxer, and his son Campbell, who will soon step back into the ring, were visibly emotional. Campbell, accompanied by his daughter Lyla, a talented dancer, paid tribute at the event.
The AO Arena saw a gathering of sports and entertainment personalities, including ex-heavyweight champion Frank Bruno and cricket star Freddie Flintoff, at the Evening4Ricky event. The occasion aimed to raise funds for the Ricky Hatton Foundation, supporting individuals battling mental health challenges.
Campbell, expressing his emotions, spoke to the audience from the ring, attributing his return to boxing to his father’s influence. The 25-year-old will appear on the undercard of Kell Brook’s upcoming fight after stepping in for Ricky Hatton against Eisa Al Dah.
The evening featured performances by Hatton’s favorite singers and personalities at the arena where he achieved his career-highlight victory over Kostya Tszyu. Notable figures like Frank Bruno, Carl Froch, and Freddie Flintoff graced the event.
Various boxing personalities, including Ben Davison and Tony Bellew, paid their respects, while poet Tony Walsh delivered a moving tribute through a specially crafted piece. Musical talents from Manchester and beyond, including Rowetta and Paul Pashley, entertained the audience.
Dalton Smith, the current world champion, was honored with the inaugural WBC Ricky Hatton Legacy belt, expressing his pride in receiving the award in recognition of the boxing legend’s influence on him and the sport.
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