Last night, a large crowd gathered at Ricky Hatton’s former arena to honor the late boxing legend. Hatton tragically passed away at 46 last September, just before announcing his comeback to the ring. Mourners, including Hatton’s family, friends, and notable figures from the sports and entertainment industries, paid their respects at the AO Arena in Manchester.
Hatton’s son, Campbell, emotionally addressed the audience, expressing his motivation to return to boxing as a tribute to his father. The event, named Evening4Ricky, featured performances by renowned singers and personalities, raising funds for the Ricky Hatton foundation supporting mental health initiatives.
Various boxing luminaries, including Frank Bruno and Freddie Flintoff, were present to celebrate Hatton’s legacy. The evening included heartfelt tributes, musical performances, and the presentation of the inaugural WBC Ricky Hatton Legacy belt to current world champion Dalton Smith.
The event culminated in a touching tribute to Hatton’s impact on the boxing community, with attendees reflecting on his influence and the lasting legacy he left behind.