Former boxing champion Ricky Hatton was present at Deansgate Locks in Manchester during a mass brawl involving up to 40 people, but police have confirmed he was not involved in the violence.
The 35-year-old, known as the 'Hyde Hitman', was seen enjoying a night out at several venues including Sakura bar, where police believe the fight began. The brawl later spilled outside onto the street near the newly-opened Rebellion bar.
Police were called at around 2.50am and found a 20-year-old man with puncture wounds to his torso. He was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary, where he received stitches and was later discharged.
Two men were arrested: a 29-year-old on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, and a 20-year-old on suspicion of a public order offence. Detective Sergeant Phil Marsh appealed for witnesses, saying: 'We don't know what sparked the incident this morning but it would have been scary for anyone caught up in it.'
Hatton, who was photographed with fans throughout the night, appeared unaware of the disturbance. Social media posts showed him at Sugar Buddha and Sakura, with one fan writing: 'I was in Sakura last night teaching Ricky Hatton how to Thai box.'
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3221 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
