Darts sensation Luke Littler has led tributes to boxing icon Ricky Hatton following the former world champion's tragic death at the age of 55. Hatton was found at his home in Manchester on Sunday, prompting an outpouring of grief from the sports world.
Littler, 18, recalled how he and his father would watch old boxing matches, with Hatton's bouts among his favourites. 'When I'm bored at night, I just go through old boxing fights,' he said. 'My dad was talking about the fights against Pacquiao and Mayweather, where he was winning it.'
The darts star admitted he never had the chance to meet Hatton but heard glowing reports from fellow players. 'Chris Dobey and Ross Smith both said he was a proper lad. They said he was at the World Matchplay for years and years, but I never got to meet him. It is sad.'
Littler's meteoric rise in darts has drawn comparisons to the hysteria Hatton generated during his boxing career. Speaking at the opening of Target Darts' pop-up shop in Manchester, Littler reflected on the changing landscape of the sport. 'I know I've changed the sport in many ways,' he said. 'But for Target, this is one of the biggest launches they have done.'
