Manny Pacquiao pays tribute to ‘great fighter’ Ricky Hatton

Manny Pacquiao paid tribute to “a great fighter” and “a brave and kind man” following the death of his former opponent Ricky Hatton.

Pacquiao, whose stunning second-round knockout of ‘The Hitman’ in Las Vegas in 2009 marked the start of Hatton’s decline at elite level, said he felt “blessed to have been part of his wonderful journey”.

The Filipino former eight-division world champion posted on Instagram: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was not only a great fighter inside the ring but also a brave and kind man in life.

“We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history and I will always honor the respect and sportsmanship he showed. Ricky fought bravely, not just in the ring, but in his journey through life. He truly had a good fight, and we are all blessed to have been part of his wonderful journey.

“My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Hatton family and all his loved ones. May the Lord give you strength and comfort in this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”

Hatton’s brother Matthew, also a boxer, posted a number of pictures of the two of them together accompanied by the caption: “I love you Richard. See you on the other side X”

Pacquiao’s former trainer Freddie Roach recalled: “Ricky had a wonderful sense of humour, but more importantly he was a warrior and a winner. There will be only one Ricky Hatton.”

Amir Khan, another former world champion and a friend of Hatton, described him as a “mentor, warrior and one of Britain’s greatest boxers”.

Writing on X, Khan said: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.”

Over recent years Hatton had been open about his struggles with mental health, and Khan added: “As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong — we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind.

“Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other.

“Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible.

“To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding.

“Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”

Britain’s former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury paid tribute, posting two pictures of himself with Hatton on Instagram and writing: “RIP to the legend @rickyhatton may he RIP. There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton. can’t believe this so young.”

Tommy Fury, who was guided early in his career by Hatton, posted on Instagram: “Heartbroken doesn’t even come close. I turned pro with you by my side Ricky and you’ll always be a massive part of my journey in boxing and in life. I am so shocked and gutted. Rest in peace champ.”

Anthony Joshua wrote: “RIP Hitman. One of the best to do it. Our British hero”, while Chris Eubank Jr added: “Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you.”

Eubank Sr said in a statement: “My condolences to Mr Hatton’s family and close friends. We who are of the gladiatorial fraternity are mindful of the struggles we have to navigate by ourselves. Relief and deliverance I believe is soon to be with us. In God we pray.”

Former world champion Barry McGuigan posted on X: “I’m absolutely devastated to hear the news of the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was a man of the people and a spectacular fighter.

“A great man inside the ring and a wonderful man outside of it. RIP Ricky, my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.”

Frank Warren, who managed Hatton’s career from his professional debut in 1997 up to his historic world title win over Kostya Tszyu in 2005, posted on X: “I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton.

“A superbly talented fighter who inspired a generation of young boxers and fans in a way very few had done before due to both his personality and the entertainment he provided in the ring.

“From making his debut Widnes in 1997 to then go on to win one of the most historic fights in British boxing history against Kostya Tszyu in Manchester, Ricky will rightly go down as one of the modern greats of this sport.”

Fellow promoter Eddie Hearn also paid tribute on X, writing: “Everybody loved Ricky. May he rest in eternal peace. Our deepest condolences to (son) Campbell, (brother) Matthew and all of the Hatton family.”

Olympic gold medallist Luke Campbell said Hatton was an “inspiration” to him and a “legend in the world of boxing”.

Sixteen-time former world darts champion Phil Taylor posted: “Absolutely devastating news about the passing of my mate @HitmanHatton Thoughts go out to all of his family at this horrible time. RIP my friend.”

Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney carried Hatton’s belts into the ring before his victory over Jose Luis Castillo in Las Vegas in 2007.

“It has not fully kicked in. It’s devastating. Heartbreaking,” Rooney said on his podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show.

“He is someone who captured the nation, in terms of the support he got, they followed him all around the world.”

Speaking on Sky Sports, ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards said: “He’s such a British icon… a true Man City fan, but most importantly he was a man of the people.

“He was the nicest guy ever – I remember going down to one of his gyms and I was a bit nervous because I didn’t know about boxing and he said ‘just do this’ and he took his time.

“For him to take the time and effort, I’ve been multiple times for beers with him just talking about football and life. To get this news now is just surreal.”

Manchester United great Roy Keane added that Hatton was a “warrior” and said: “We know how tough that sport is but my God, he gave everything for that sport. He left everything in that ring, it’s absolutely shocking news.”