Manchester City released a statement after the death of boxing icon Ricky Hatton, who passed away at the age of 46 and was a well-known fan of the club. He was found dead at his residence on Sunday morning by the police.
The official statement from the Cityzens read: “Manchester City are devastated to learn of the sad passing of City fan and boxing legend Ricky Hatton, aged 46. Hatton, an icon of British boxing, won world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight, and was viewed by many as one of the most compelling personalities the sport has ever produced. He won 45 of his 48 professional bouts across an outstanding 15-year career in the ring, which included famous world title wins over Russia’s Kostya Tszyu and Mexico‘s Jose Luis Castillo. Known as ‘The Hitman’, Hatton was famous for bringing huge numbers of fans to Las Vegas for his fights, most notably his 2007 bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr., where more than 30,000 travelled from the UK to watch him at the MGM Grand. Few, if any, British boxers can claim to have garnered such a dedicated fanbase. His audience were captivated by his relentless, front-foot boxing style and felt a deep connection to the humble, down-to-earth human being he had always been. It was the realisation of a lifetime ambition for Ricky. A scholar of boxing, he had always dreamed of making the Las Vegas strip his own – and he did so in some style. Hatton wore sky blue shorts and used Blue Moon as his walkout song throughout his career – and in 2008 he fulfilled another dream when he fought Juan Lazcano at the Etihad Stadium. Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters. He will always be remembered. Everyone at the Club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. We can confirm there will be a minute’s appreciation ahead of today’s game against Manchester United.”
Hatton’s sudden passing away has left the sporting world stunned as several athletes, including footballers across the world, are mourning. Former City captain and current Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has paid his tribute to the iconic boxer.
Pep Guardiola’s are gearing up to face rivals Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday at Etihad Stadium. They will hold a minute’s appreciation before the start of the derby.
