Ricky Hatton, the beloved Mancunian boxing icon, was honoured with a star-studded tribute at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday night. The event, titled 'An Evening4Ricky', brought together musicians, comedians, boxers, and television personalities to celebrate his life and career. Hatton, who rose from a council estate in Hyde to become a two-weight world champion, died in September last year at the age of 46.
The evening featured a reimagined boxing stage with entertainment 'rounds' including comedy, music, and heartfelt tributes. The night began with a spine-tingling rendition of 'Stand by Me' as images of Hatton's life flashed on screen. MC John McDonald told the crowd: 'It's about more than titles, it's about celebrating the man behind them.'
Campbell Hatton, Ricky's son, was visibly moved as he opened the show, describing his father as 'the reason' he gets in the ring. Frank Bruno, Carl Froch, Steph Houghton, Phil Taylor, and Paddy McGuinness were among the legends who shared memories. McGuinness called for a statue of Hatton in Manchester city centre, met with rapturous applause.
Tony Bellew reflected on Hatton's intensity, saying: 'I've never seen anybody train with that intensity. There never ever will be another Ricky Hatton.' The WBC awarded a new belt in Hatton's name to current fighter Dalton Smith, who said: 'This is a world title itself for me, for how much Ricky has inspired me.'
The event also marked the international TV launch of the Ricky Hatton Foundation, which aims to raise funds for mental health services, community programmes, and educational campaigns. Poet Tony Walsh delivered one of the most moving tributes of the night.
