Boxing champion Ricky Hatton had a night out watching his favourite band, Oasis, just weeks before his death aged 46 as Liam Gallagher pays an emotional tribute
Boxer Ricky Hatton shared his deep love for Oasis just weeks before his death aged 46. He was sadly found dead at his home in Greater Manchester this weekend.
The sad news came just months after the fighter announced his comeback to the ring with a fight scheduled for December. Ricky, who was affectionately known as ‘The Hitman’ during his fighting career, described Liam and Noel Gallagher carrying out his two belts as one of the highlights of his career.
They became friends with each other, as Liam has issued a heartfelt tribute following Ricky’s death. Broadcaster Gordon Smart has now revealed that just three weeks ago, he attended Oasis’ reunion show with Ricky.
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In his own tribute, Gordon shared: “So many incredible memories thanks to this man. Only three weeks ago reminiscing at Oasis in Dublin over a Guinness. Gone far too soon. RIP Ricky. City did you proud today.”
Ricky had been vocal about his love for Oasis and Manchester City. He once said: “Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a boxing world champion, support Man City and listen to Oasis.
“But I became a four-time world champion in two weight classes, ended up boxing at the Etihad Stadium in front of 55,000 people, and became mates with Noel and Liam Gallagher over the years.”
During Sunday’s Manchester derby between Manchester City and Manchester United, both sides wore black armbands and a moment’s appreciation was observed pre-match for Ricky. Manager Pep Guardiola looked visibly emotional and offered his condolences during his pre-match interview with Sky Sports.
Liam also paid tribute as he shared: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about RICKY HATTON it was an absolute honour to know him and carry his belts RIP CHAMP LIVE FOREVER LG x.”
His beloved Manchester City also paid tribute as they said: “Hatton wore sky blue shorts and used Blue Moon as his walkout song throughout his career.
“Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters, who will always be remembered for a glittering boxing career that saw him win world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight.
“Everyone at the club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.” Days before his death, Ricky headed to Tenerife, where he was seen belting out Oasis in a bar.
On Sunday, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “We can confirm that we have found a body at an address on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross at 6.45am today, Sunday, September 14. The death is not being treated as suspicious.”
In a statement released by his family, they said the former world champion “had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.”
Ricky enjoyed a successful boxing career as he held numerous world championships, as well as UK titles and was named as Fighter of the Year back in 2015. He last fought professionally in 2012 but had been training ahead of his return to the ring, where he was due to fight Eisa Al Dah.
Source: Mirror
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