Thousands of admirers gathered at the former arena of Ricky Hatton to honor the iconic boxer. Hatton tragically passed away last September at 46, taking his life just before his planned comeback announcement. Mourners lined the streets of Manchester for his funeral and once again congregated this weekend to commemorate one of Britain’s most celebrated fighters.
During the event, emotions ran high as Hatton’s parents, Ray and Carol, alongside his brother Matthew and son Campbell, who is set to return to boxing next month, struggled to contain their sorrow. The AO Arena saw a mix of sports and entertainment figures, with former heavyweight champion Frank Bruno and cricket star Freddie Flintoff attending the Evening4Ricky fundraiser for the Ricky Hatton foundation, aiding mental health support.
Campbell, visibly moved, addressed the audience about his return to the ring, crediting his father for inspiring his comeback. The night featured various performances paying homage to Hatton, including singers and personalities like Frank Bruno and Carl Froch. Tributes from boxing personalities like Ben Davison, Tasha Jonas, and others were heartfelt, with poet Tony Walsh delivering a touching piece about Hatton’s life.
Manchester’s top musical talents took the stage, with Rowetta and Paul Pashley adding to the evening’s ambiance. Comedian Al Foran entertained the crowd with impressions of notable figures, while current world champion Dalton Smith received the inaugural WBC Ricky Hatton Legacy belt. Smith expressed his gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing Hatton’s impact on boxing and his personal journey.
The event concluded with an outpouring of support and respect for Ricky Hatton, underscoring his lasting influence on the sport and the community.