Guardiola Teary-Eyed as Man City Fans Applaud Late Fellow Fan Ricky Hatton, 46
Manchester City Honors Ricky Hatton in Emotional Derby Victory
Pep Guardiola fought back tears as Manchester City paid tribute to boxing legend and lifelong fan Ricky Hatton during Sunday’s derby against Manchester United. Hatton, 46, was found dead at his Greater Manchester home just hours before kickoff. Both teams wore black armbands, and a minute’s applause echoed across the Etihad Stadium to honor the British icon, whose passionate connection to City defined his life.
[Image suggestion: Pep Guardiola emotional on the touchline during the tribute.]
A Fighter On and Off the Pitch
Hatton, known as “The Hitman,” was a two-weight world champion, amassing 45 wins in 48 fights. His thrilling victories over Kostya Tszyu and José Luis Castillo, along with his 2007 Las Vegas showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr., cemented his legacy. A devoted City supporter, he proudly wore sky-blue shorts in the ring and entered fights to the club’s anthem, Blue Moon. In 2008, he fulfilled a dream by headlining a bout at the Etihad.
[Image suggestion: Hatton celebrating a boxing victory in his signature sky-blue shorts.]
A Beloved Figure
Manchester City’s statement hailed Hatton as “one of the most compelling personalities boxing has ever produced,” praising his humility and bond with fans. Staff and players were devastated, particularly as he was due to attend the derby in hospitality. Forward Phil Foden, who scored in City’s 3-0 win, dedicated his performance to Hatton: “We gave everything for him and his family. It was all for him.”
[Image suggestion: Fans applauding during the minute’s tribute at the Etihad.]
Personal Struggles and Legacy
Hatton openly battled mental health issues and addiction post-retirement, once admitting, “I felt I couldn’t go on.” Despite challenges, he reinvented himself as a trainer and planned a comeback fight in Dubai this December. Friends grew concerned after he missed an event in Bolton on Saturday night. Greater Manchester Police confirmed his death was not suspicious.
[Image suggestion: Hatton smiling with his son Campbell at a public event in 2024.]
Tributes Pour In
Former City defender Micah Richards called Hatton “a man of the people,” while Roy Keane praised his warrior spirit. Ex-footballer Stan Collymore highlighted Hatton’s candidness about mental health, which “helped so many.” Hatton leaves behind three children, a granddaughter, and a city united in grief.
[Image suggestion: Hatton with family at a Manchester City match.]
Though gone, Hatton’s legacy endures—a fighter who carried his club’s colors into battle and inspired millions.
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