Manchester City will honour Ricky Hatton at this afternoon’s derby with United.
It is understood those at Hatton’s beloved club will hold a minute’s applause and both sides will wear black armbands in memory of the Mancunian fighter, who was found dead at his home this morning.
Hatton was well known to staff at City and had been due to sit at a table in hospitality for the clash.
Many have been left distraught by the development and there is likely to be a deeply sombre mood at the Etihad.
‘Manchester City are devastated to learn of the sad passing of City fan and boxing legend Ricky Hatton, aged 46,’ a club statement read.
‘Hatton, an icon of British boxing, won world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight, and was viewed by many as one of the most compelling personalities the sport has ever produced.
Manchester City and Manchester United players will wear black armbands to honour boxer and passionate City fan Ricky Hatton (right, pictured with his son Campbell) after his death at 46
Players will wear black armbands at the Etihad Stadium while a minute’s applause is planned
‘He won 45 of his 48 professional bouts across an outstanding 15-year career in the ring, which included famous world title wins over Russia’s Kostya Tszyu and Mexico’s Jose Luis Castillo.
‘Known as ‘The Hitman’, Hatton was famous for bringing huge numbers of fans to Las Vegas for his fights, most notably his 2007 bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr., where more than 30,000 travelled from the UK to watch him at the MGM Grand.
‘Few, if any, British boxers can claim to have garnered such a dedicated fanbase.
‘His audience were captivated by his relentless, front-foot boxing style and felt a deep connection to the humble, down-to-earth human being he had always been.
‘It was the realisation of a lifetime ambition for Ricky. A scholar of boxing, he had always dreamed of making the Las Vegas strip his own – and he did so in some style.
‘Hatton wore sky blue shorts and used Blue Moon as his walkout song throughout his career – and in 2008 he fulfilled another dream when he fought Juan Lazcano at the Etihad Stadium.
‘Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters. He will always be remembered.
‘Everyone at the club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
‘We can confirm there will be a minute’s appreciation ahead of today’s game against Manchester United.’
Hatton was one of City’s most beloved supporters and he constantly showed off their colours
He regularly attended matches at the Etihad Stadium and was due to be at Sunday’s derby
Hatton celebrates defeating Mexico’s Jose Luis Castillo after a fourth round stoppage in 2007
The former world boxing champion died aged 46, just weeks after announcing his dramatic return to the ring.
Hatton was found at his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday morning, where a police cordon currently sits outside, and his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Daily Mail Sport understands that friends were initially concerned last night, when Hatton failed to appear at a fight involving one of his boxers, believed to be Jack Murphy who won his bout in Bolton.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: ‘Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.’
Hatton had one son, Campbell, who retired from boxing at 24 to become a solar panel installer in July, two daughters, Millie and Fearne, and a granddaughter called Lyla.
Nicknamed ‘the Hitman’, Hatton was an aggressive and brave fighter who held multiple world and UK titles between 1997 and 2012 – including the night he toppled Kostya Tszyu to go from underdog to boxing sensation overnight.
After retiring from the ring, he had moved in to coaching but was due to return to the sport with a fight planned in Dubai in December.
Hatton, who was awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2007, had often spoken of his struggles with mental health and drug addiction.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards said: ‘The news is devastating, he’s such an icon. True Manchester City fan, but more importantly he was a man of the people. It feels surreal for someone so young.’
Speaking ahead of the Manchester derby later, Roy Keane also added: ‘The guy was a warrior, he gave everything for that sport.
‘The fans thought so highly of him because he left everything in that ring, absolutely shocking news.’
Former footballer Stan Collymore worte: ‘Desperately sad news about the death of Ricky Hatton. Spoke incredibly candidly about his own struggles and mental health which would have helped so many with their own. Rest in peace, Ricky.’
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