British boxing legend Ricky Hatton has taken to social media to assure his legion of fans that he is very much alive, after a catastrophic error by veteran promoter Frank Warren sent the sporting world into a tailspin.
The bizarre incident unfolded when Warren, a Hall of Fame fight figure, was listing the tragic losses the boxing community has suffered in recent years. In a moment of sheer confusion, he erroneously included the name of the beloved 'Hitman' alongside deceased greats like heavyweight icon Frank Bruno.
The gaffe instantly ignited a firestorm online, with panicked fans flooding social media with questions and RIP messages, believing the Manchester hero had passed away.
The Hitman Sets the Record Straight
A clearly bemused Hatton was swift to respond, posting a video from his car to quash the rumours. "I've just been on the phone to Frank Warren," Hatton stated, a wry smile on his face. "He's just doing an interview and he's done a little whoopsie. He's mentioned me with Prince Naseem, with Frank Bruno, with all the people we've lost in boxing over the last few years."
He added, "I thought, 'Blimey, has Frank Warren just announced I'm dead?' So I'm just letting you all know, I'm alive and well."
A Community Gripped by Panic
The fallout was immediate and widespread. Warren's mistaken comments, made during a heartfelt tribute to those the sport has lost, were picked up and shared out of context, leading to a full-blown digital meltdown among the boxing community.
Fans expressed their shock and relief upon discovering the news was a false alarm, highlighting the immense affection and esteem in which the former two-weight world champion is held.
Thankfully, this story has a happy ending, with Ricky Hatton very much still here to tell the tale himself.
