Manchester United icon Gary Neville expressed heartfelt condolences for the late boxing world champion Ricky Hatton, who tragically passed away at his residence. Following the somber news, tributes flooded in from the boxing community and beyond, including a moment of applause at the Manchester derby in honor of Hatton, a devoted Manchester City supporter.
Despite Manchester City’s 3-0 victory in the match, Neville, speaking post-game, shared a poignant tribute on his podcast, reminiscing about Hatton’s impact on Manchester and the boxing world. Neville praised Hatton’s unwavering dedication and fighting spirit, highlighting his role as a unifying figure in the city.
Reflecting on Hatton’s character as a down-to-earth and family-oriented individual, Neville underscored Hatton’s love for Manchester and his country. The loss of Hatton at just 46 years old reverberated deeply within the city, with Neville emphasizing the widespread admiration and respect Hatton garnered from both Manchester United and Manchester City fans.
Notably, Hatton’s untimely passing came shortly after news of his planned return to boxing, with an exhibition fight scheduled for December against Eisa Dah from the United Arab Emirates. Hatton had been actively preparing for the upcoming bout, as evident from his social media updates.
The sudden loss of Hatton has left a void in the hearts of many, with Neville emphasizing Hatton’s legacy as a champion inside and outside of the boxing ring.