Matthew Hatton, a fellow professional boxer and former world title contender, has paid tribute to his brother Ricky Hatton following the former world champion’s death
Ricky Hatton’s brother has paid a heartfelt tribute to the ex-world champion boxer following his shock death at 46. Matthew Hatton, also a professional pugilist and one-time world title contender, posted a series of nostalgic family snaps on social media, including a childhood photo of the two siblings.
His poignant message read: “I love you Richard. See you on the other side X.” Matthew, who once held the European welterweight title, often fought in the preliminary bouts of his brother’s matches. His most notable bout was against boxing titan Canelo Alvarez in California in 2011.
Ricky, a native of Stockport, was discovered deceased at his residence in Gee Cross, Hyde this morning (September 14). Greater Manchester Police have stated that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The sporting world has been awash with tributes following Hatton’s passing. Tyson Fury hailed him as a ‘legend’, while Amir Khan referred to Hatton as a ‘friend, a mentor, a warrior’.
Tommy Fury also credited the world champ for playing a ‘massive part’ in his own boxing career.
Famous faces such as Olly Murs and Paddy McGuinness expressed their sorrow over Hatton’s death, along with football stars Phil Foden, Roy Keane and Micah Richards.
Meanwhile, Liam Gallagher, who together with brother Noel carried Hatton’s world title belts into the ring before his 2008 Las Vegas bout with Paulie Malignaggi, has also offered his tribute.
Posting on X, he wrote: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about RICKY HATTON it was an absolute honour to know him and carry his belts RIP CHAMP LIVE FOREVER.”
Earlier today, BBC boxing expert Steve Bunce became visibly upset whilst discussing Ricky Hatton’s death on Radio 5 Live just moments after hearing the devastating news.
Bunce delivered an emotional tribute on air from a hotel in Northern Ireland, just hours after watching a bout between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan.
Throughout the broadcast, presenter Steve Crossman repeatedly asked if he felt able to carry on after becoming clearly distressed while honouring the former boxer. “It’s an unbelievably shocking piece of news because he was in a really good place,” Bunce revealed.
“He’s had some troubles, Rick. I mean, he’s talked about his mental health problems, he’s talked about his addictions; he’s addressed them, faced them and attacked them and solved them.
“He was preparing for an exhibition fight; like it is for so many fighters, the gym’s been his salvation. He was getting his body and his head in a better place. Apparently, talking to people, he didn’t show up on Friday at the gym, and he was meant to be at a fight last night, and he didn’t show up, and someone went to his house this morning… It is shocking news.”
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