Ricky Hatton ‘stayed true’ to hometown Hyde locals say | Manchester News

To the boxing world Ricky Hatton was the formidable ‘Hitman’, a champion welterweight known for his relentless offense in the ring.

But for those back where Hatton grew up in Hyde, a town in Tameside, Greater Manchester, he was just “one of us”.

News of the 46-year-old’s sudden death on Sunday 14 September caused genuine shock and dismay for the people who grew up supporting the local boy who went from training in the cellar of his parents’ Hattersley pub to becoming a world champion.

People remembered Hatton as they dropped into Hyde Town Hall on Wednesday to sign a public book of condolence.

Jamie Pulford, 47, described her former schoolmate Hatton as “always a joker and willing to have a quick chat”.

She said: “He even took the time out one day to ring my nan to surprise her, so she could say that Ricky Hatton had rang her. My mum always loved him for that.

“He was special lad, always humble and stayed true to his roots, true to his people, he always, always had time for anybody who wanted to stop him for an autograph or a photograph and you don’t get many that’ll do that.”

Lesley Thieme, 65, said Hatton’s death felt like a “dream you can’t wake up from”.

“He was just like one of us,” she said.

“He mingled in, he chatted to people, he was just so happy and jolly.

“When I woke up and seen it on Facebook, it just broke me.”

Deborah Reed, 52, said “everyone in Hyde” knew Hatton and recalled seeing him jogging on the streets before his fights early in his career.

“He’s just everybody’s friend. We know his son, we know his brother, we know his dad.

“He’s just, well, he’s going to be missed.”

Mike Wilson, 68, said he had known Hatton for a long time and recalled his generosity.

“I have two sons, aged 36 and 34 now, but as they were boys growing up Ricky was great with them,” he said.

“He took them in and took them to the house and signed autographs and gloves for them.

“I was involved in a local grassroots football club and Ricky used to give me signed gloves for fundraisers for the club.

“He was a great guy, in and out of the ring.”

But Hatton’s death was not just a blow for those who knew him personally.

Deggie, 32, who grew up around the Hyde area said Hatton was a “crucial part of the community”.

“Everybody knew him or had an interaction with him and there’s just so many lovely words that were said about him over the years, just a great character and most importantly a down-to-earth genuine human.

“The legacy he leaves is absolutely unreal and I think living around here you kind of take it for granted what he achieved.”

Greater Manchester Police said there were no suspicious circumstances around his death.

Hatton’s family said in a statement they believed he had been in a “good place” and had been excited for the future, including for a comeback fight in Dubai.

His son, Campbell Hatton, posted a tribute on Instagram on Tuesday which said: “Can’t explain how much I’m going to miss the laughs we had and all the good times, which I will remember forever.

“Just can’t believe we won’t have any more. Love you, Dad.”

The Hatton family have said details of a memorial will be announced in the coming days.

The book of condolence will stay in Hyde Town Hall until a memorial service, then the messages will be passed on to Hatton’s family.