There is no big memorial nor any public event to remember Ricky Hatton today, on the first anniversary of a death that left Mancunians in total shock, recoiling as if we had been hit by one of those trademark left hooks to the body.
The impact of that untimely death is still felt all around the world. The incredible fights; the cheeky sense of humour; the big heart trying to come to terms with a tortured soul.
We loved him - whether we were United fans or followers of his beloved Manchester City - because of his sporting prowess; his unashamed Manc personality; and his brave and very public fight against his personal demons.
A Private Remembrance
No, it is perhaps fitting for this famously humble son of Hyde that he will be remembered privately, at people's homes or in the pubs where there will be a laugh and a joke and a tear in the eye as a glass is raised in remembrance.
It will be an especially difficult day for Ricky's family and, of course, for his parents Carol and Ray, who will try their best to remember the funny episodes and the good times they shared with 'Richard'. They have admitted they're still tortured by 'what if' thoughts.
"Richard will always be looking down on his family," Carol tearfully said earlier this week. "We have to move forward living our lives, talking about him, remembering him and loving him."
The Final Days and Inquest
Ricky was found unresponsive in his games room when his manager and long-time friend Paul Speak visited his home in Hyde on September 14 last year to collect him for a trip to Dubai. He was 46.
As far as his family was concerned, he had turned a corner and seemed happier than he had been for years. Just two days before the tragedy, Ricky took his daughters and granddaughter out to a pub for a meal. They were all excited about a trip to Dubai to see him in a charity boxing match.
At an inquest into the death in March members of his family, including father Ray and son Campbell, broke down in tears after a coroner returned a narrative verdict, saying she could not be 'satisfied that at the time he died he intended to take his own life'.
His battles with mental health, alcohol and drugs are well documented. The coroner said Mr Hatton had left no note, was 'under the influence of alcohol' and there was also evidence of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease.
Calls for a Statue
As humble as he was, his parents have thrown their weight behind calls for a statue for their son. "That would be nice," Carol said.
