Ricky Hatton’s mum in tears as granddaughter dances during emotional tribute night
Ricky Hatton passed away last September and was last night remembered by thousands of fans at the Manchester arena he once called his second home
(Image: Getty Images)
Thousands of fans flocked to Ricky Hatton’s old stomping ground last night to pay tribute to the legendary boxer.
Hatton was found dead last September at the age of 46 after taking his own life hours before he was due to formally announce his return to the ring. Fans lined the streets of Manchester for his funeral and they were back out in force this weekend to remember one of Britain’s greatest ever fighters.
Hatton’s parents Ray and Carol, struggled to hold back their tears and were joined by his brother Matthew, who was also a boxer, and son Campbell who will pull on his gloves again next month. An emotional Campbell was joined by his daughter Lyla, a talented dancer, who showed off her moves in the ring.
And the worlds of sport and showbiz were also well represented at the AO Arena with former heavyweight world champion Frank Bruno and legendary England all-round cricketer Freddie Flintoff in attendance at the Evening4Ricky event which raised money for the Ricky Hatton foundation which supports those struggling with mental illness.
Campbell opened the show and was visibly moved as he addressed the crowd from the ring. The 25-year-old revealed his dad is the reason he is back in the ring having hung up his gloves having retired last summer. Campbell will feature on the undercard of Kell Brook’s clash with Eisa Al Dah after the Sheffield fighter stepped in to replace Hatton who was originally due to take on the Dubai boxer.
The evening was then split into ’rounds’ as Hatton’s favourite singers and personalities performed at the arena the Hyde boxer made his name, including with his career-defining victory over Kostya Tszyu. Bruno, who looked resplendent in red suit, and Flintoff were joined by darts legend Phil Taylor, TV presenter Paddy McGuinness. who wore a boxing robe, and another former boxing world champion in Carl Froch.
Further tributes from the boxing fraternity were paid by Ben Davison, Tasha Jonas, Tony Bellew and Anthony Crolla. Poet Tony Walsh moved the crowd with his rendition of a new piece telling the story of Hatton’s life. “Our hitmen turn out to be human,” he read. “Our heroes are humans. You never let anyone down. Please let us tell you, you never let anyone down.”
Some of the best musical talent from Manchester were present with Rowetta belting out Cry Your Heart Out and Bridge Over Troubled Water. Sheffield’s Paul Pashley sang James’ Sit Down before a stirring rendition of Dean Martin’s That’s Amore. Comedian Al Foran had the crowd in stitches with his impressions of Pep Guardiola, Sir Alex Ferguson and David Beckham, as well as Tyson Fury and Chris Eubank. Bugzy Malone and Tinie Tempah also performed.
And current world champion Dalton Smith received the inaugural WBC Ricky Hatton Legacy belt. “Growing up, Ricky Hatton was my hero,” said Smith. “Everything about him – the way he fought, the way he carried himself and the connection he had with the fans – was what made me fall in love with boxing.
“To receive the inaugural Ricky Hatton WBC Legacy Belt, in Manchester and at the AO Arena of all places, honestly means a huge amount to me. “Ricky inspired a generation of fighters from the North and across Britain, and to be recognised in his name is something I’m incredibly proud of.
“It was a very special moment for me and my family, and I was honoured to be part of what was an unforgettable night celebrating one of British boxing’s true legends.”
