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There has never been any shortage of demand for Ricky Hatton, even after hanging up his gloves.
With an encyclopaedic knowledge and an insatiable passion for the sport, his opinion on the biggest story of the day was always valued and he did not shy away from going after influential figures in the sport and calling out those who needed calling out.
Metro was lucky enough to have Ricky as our guest boxing columnist for a year between 2021 and 2022, weighing in on the sport’s endless stream of drama and previewing the biggest fights with us.
Catching him on the phone on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning after his cup of tea, Ricky and I would have a quick catch up on whatever action took place the previous weekend before getting into whatever was now top of the agenda.
No matter where he was in the world, he rarely missed a fight.
During the course of those 15-minute chats, Ricky never needed prompting to weigh in and drop a headline-worthy offer of support or stinging rebuke, accusing his old foe Floyd Mayweather of damaging his legacy with his daft exhibition bout with Logan Paul in one of our early columns.
I interviewed Ricky Hatton before he died – here's why he wanted to fight again
Difficulties in giving up the sport were part of the reason that Hatton had been lured back to the ring. In 2022, the Brit took on Mexican fighter Marco Antonio Barrera in an exhibition fight and in December this year, was scheduled for his first professional bout in 13 years.
Ever honest, Hatton had no delusions of grandeur about his return, nor any desire to test himself with a high-level fight beyond his capabilities. His scheduled opponent, Eisa Al Dah, had a modest 8-3 record and was the same age as Hatton.
‘It’s a very doable fight,’ he noted. ‘It’s not like Paulie Malignaggi fighting bare knuckle at his age or Mike coming back against Floyd. Mine is a very safe fight.’
Yes, Hatton’s return to the ring was in part to satisfy the competitive fire that still burned deep inside him, but it was also about something far more important than that.
In speaking so candidly about his struggles post-retirement, Hatton had sought to ensure that many others would not suffer in silence and would instead seek help like he had so often done.
And over the phone last weekend, he spoke about his hopes that his latest ring return would continue to inspire more people struggling with their mental health to stay active and keep pushing forward.
Ben Fleming, Sports Reporter, Metro – read the full story here.
Delving into his treasure chest of war stories, he was funny and friendly in every interaction.
Listening to the former champion recall the glory days and the moments that still lived deeply with him was one of my favourite times of the week.
Whether we were talking about Tyson Fury’s latest fight or a young prospect showing promise in his own gym in Manchester, he spoke with the same verve and enthusiasm no matter who it was.
Ricky always had one eye firmly on the new generation, having been such a colossal part of the previous one.
Tributes pour in for ‘one of a kind’ Ricky Hatton
A minute’s appreciation was held in tribute to Hatton prior to the derby between Manchester City and Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.
Lifelong Man City fan Hatton was believed to be due to attend the game, which his beloved Sky Blues won 3-0 thanks to Erling Haaland’s brace and a Phil Foden header.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who fought back tears during the tribute, said Hatton was a ‘true champion’ and ‘part of the City family’.
Former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, meanwhile, wrote on Instagram: ‘RIP to the legend Ricky Hatton.
‘There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this – so young.’
Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher added: ‘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.’
Hatton was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday. Police say there are ‘not believed to be any suspicious circumstances’ surrounding his death.
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