Thousands of fans flocked to the AO Arena in Manchester last night to pay tribute to legendary boxer Ricky Hatton, who was found dead last September at the age of 46. The event, titled Evening4Ricky, raised funds for the Ricky Hatton Foundation, which supports those struggling with mental illness.
Emotional Family Tributes
Hatton's parents, Ray and Carol, struggled to hold back tears as they were joined by his brother Matthew, also a former boxer, and son Campbell. Campbell, 25, will return to the ring next month and was visibly moved as he addressed the crowd. He revealed that his father is the reason he is fighting again after retiring last summer. Campbell's daughter Lyla, a talented dancer, also performed in the ring, bringing Carol to tears.
Star-Studded Attendance
The event drew stars from sport and entertainment, including former heavyweight world champion Frank Bruno, who wore a striking red suit, England cricketer Freddie Flintoff, darts legend Phil Taylor, TV presenter Paddy McGuinness in a boxing robe, and former world champion Carl Froch. Bruno and Flintoff were among those who paid their respects.
Musical and Poetic Tributes
Manchester's finest musical talent performed, with Rowetta singing "Cry Your Heart Out" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Sheffield's Paul Pashley performed James' "Sit Down" and Dean Martin's "That's Amore." Comedian Al Foran entertained the crowd with impressions of Pep Guardiola, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham, Tyson Fury, and Chris Eubank. Bugzy Malone and Tinie Tempah also took the stage.
Poet Tony Walsh moved the audience with a new piece recounting Hatton's life, saying, "Our hitmen turn out to be human. Our heroes are humans. You never let anyone down. Please let us tell you, you never let anyone down."
Legacy Belt Presentation
Current world champion Dalton Smith received the inaugural WBC Ricky Hatton Legacy belt. "Growing up, Ricky Hatton was my hero," Smith said. "Everything about him – the way he fought, the way he carried himself and the connection he had with the fans – was what made me fall in love with boxing. To receive the inaugural Ricky Hatton WBC Legacy Belt, in Manchester and at the AO Arena of all places, honestly means a huge amount to me."
The evening was split into 'rounds' featuring Hatton's favorite singers and personalities, celebrating the career of the Hyde boxer who famously defeated Kostya Tszyu. The tribute night highlighted Hatton's impact on boxing and his lasting legacy in Manchester.
