Tameside Council has committed to building a statue to honour the memory of legendary boxer Ricky Hatton, who was found dead at his home in Hyde in September last year aged 46.
The champion boxer was known across the globe for blockbuster fights against the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao. One of his most memorable moments was his brutal stoppage of Kostya Tszyu at the Manchester Arena.
Petition and council motion
In the wake of Ricky's death, an online petition to erect a statue in his honour was signed by more than 9,000 people. Now politicians in Tameside are looking to immortalise the fighter by doing just that.
Allan Hopwood, leader of Reform in the borough, tabled a motion at the latest town hall meeting to get things moving. He called for the statue to be built in Hyde, where he lived, or Hattersley, where he grew up.
Coun Hopwood said: "Some people in this chamber may already know, but today, October 6, would have been Ricky Hatton's 48th birthday.
"Ricky was a proud son of Tameside whose achievements in boxing and community engagement have inspired many people, young and old, across Tameside and far beyond.
"I knew Ricky personally and I boxed with him at the same venue when he was a schoolboy. I knew he was special then and I've watched him over the years."
Funding and design
Coun Hopwood said the project would be paid for through fundraisers and not cost the town hall a penny. The public will be included in its design, he said.
The Labour leadership attempted to change the motion to include another iconic Hyde athlete, marathon runner Ron Hill, in the plan.
Council leader Eleanor Wills said the changes would see the statues for both athletes brought into a formal proposal so bosses could ensure the projects are properly funded.
She pointed out that the former mayor of Greater Manchester, now Prime Minister Andy Burnham, vowed to create a statue and that there are plans already in motion.
Amendment rejected
Coun Leanne Feeley added: "We don't disagree with the motion to create a statue, sculpture or piece of artwork for Ricky Hatton. But we also want to commemorate Ron Hill, who is also a significant figure."
Opposition councillors disagreed with the addition. Coun Ged Cooney said grouping the statues into one project was 'unnecessary'. The Labour amendment to the original motion failed, as the group was outvoted.
Coun Hopwood added: "He is a legend in this part of the world and we should recognise him. We shouldn't be coming back with silly amendments. We should just get on and get it done."
The original motion was approved, meaning the council has committed to a statue for Ricky.
