In a gesture that perfectly marries Manchester's musical and sporting heritage, Britpop icons Oasis have delivered a heartfelt tribute to boxing legend Ricky Hatton. The band personally sent the 'Hitman' a customised Manchester City shirt, honouring his iconic use of their rendition of 'Blue Moon' during his legendary ring walks.
The framed sky-blue jersey, a prized addition to Hatton's memorabilia collection, features his name and the number 30 on the back – a nod to his phenomenal undefeated streak as a light-welterweight world champion.
A Manchester Anthem Forged in Glory
The story behind the tribute is pure Manchester magic. Ricky Hatton, a lifelong and fiercely passionate Manchester City fan, chose Oasis's cover of the classic 'Blue Moon' as his entrance music. This anthem became the soundtrack to some of the most electrifying moments in British boxing history, echoing through arenas as Hatton marched towards the ring, thousands of fans singing along.
It was more than a song; it was a declaration of identity, representing his roots, his city, and the unwavering support of his fans.
From the Ring to a Rock and Roll Salute
The incredible gift was revealed by Hatton himself on his official TikTok channel. Beaming with pride, he showed off the shirt, stating it was a "massive honour" to receive such a recognition from one of the world's biggest bands.
"You know how much that song means to me and my career," Hatton explained, visibly moved. "To have the Gallagher brothers and Oasis send me this... it's just fantastic. I'm made up."
This act of generosity from the notoriously rock-and-roll band highlights the deep, cultural connection between sport and music in Manchester. It’s a testament to how Hatton's achievements in the ring, soundtracked by Oasis, transcended sport and became a part of the city's folklore.
A Legacy Cemented in Blue
For fans, this moment is a powerful reminder of a golden era. It encapsulates the pride of mid-2000s Manchester, a time when the city was dominating the music charts with its bands and the sporting world with a local hero who wore his heart on his sleeve – and a Cityzen's passion in his heart.
The framed shirt now stands as a permanent symbol of mutual respect between a global music phenomenon and a British sporting icon, forever bonded by a football club and a song that means everything to them both.
