Except for his boxing brilliance, it was his persona and humour which made folks listen.
Lately, his happy-go-lucky character noticed him solid on actuality exhibits like Dancing on Ice.
However what’s extra fascinating is how and why the general public got here to have such nice affection for him again within the day.
Placing it kindly, sports activities stars aren’t at all times identified for his or her glowing personalities.
It was Ricky’s lack of curiosity within the trappings of fame which accompanied his epic run of victories that made him all of the extra cool.
He was the working-class hero who appeared unstoppable. It was a narrative that everybody wished to comply with.
Picture:
Ricky Hatton smiles throughout a information convention in 2006. Pic: Reuters
Celebrities wished to be seen alongside him. Piggy-backing off his reputation the likes of Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Denzel Washington and David Beckham have been all pictured ringside at one time or one other, drawn to his fan-friendly type and spectacular profitable streak.
Similtaneously the Gallagher brothers have been flying the flag for music from Manchester, Hatton was doing the identical for boxing.
Throughout his 2008 battle in opposition to Paulie Malignaggi, he had Liam and Noel escort him to the ring.
In an interview he stated he thought all three of them is perhaps killed when Liam held up Hatton’s IBO belt inches from Malignaggi’s face and with a swagger stated ‘what do you concentrate on that you simply d*** head?’.
Tales like which might be why his attraction prolonged past sport. He was an strange bloke who’d accomplished extraordinary issues. He by no means overlooked who he was and followers cherished him for it.
Picture:
Ricky Hatton is joined by Liam and Noel Gallagher after his 2008 battle in opposition to Paulie Malignaggi. Pic: Reuters
