Remembering Ricky Hatton: The Hitman Who Made City Proud.

Much of Manchester’s sporting pride and heritage comes from its two footballing giants City and United. The other symbol of the City’s fighting spirit came from a man in the ring called Ricky Hatton.

Overnight, Hatton went from British star to global icon when he defeated Kostya Tszyu in June 2005 to capture the IBF and The Ring light-welterweight titles. Tszyu was regarded as the best in the world at the time, and retired soon after. That night remains one of the most unforgettable in British boxing history.

Putting Manchester City ‘On The Map’

When the lights were at their brightest, Hatton always made sure to represent his roots. Born on a council estate in Hattersley, his connection to Manchester City was something he carried with him throughout his career - right up to his tragic passing at 46.

There’s a strong case to say Hatton helped put both Manchester and City on the global map before the club’s modern-day success took off. Back then, United dominated English football. By the time Hatton staged his homecoming bout against Juan Lazcano at the City of Manchester Stadium in May 2008, the Red Devils had just won the Champions League against Chelsea three days earlier.

Still, Hatton proudly waved the blue flag throughout his career. It felt only right that his final farewell - his coffin making a ‘last ring walk’ past the Etihad Stadium — was draped in sky blue. Among those paying their respects at Manchester Cathedral were City legends Mike Summerbee, Paul Lake, and Andy Morrison.

A City United.

Even United’s Wayne Rooney, who carried Hatton’s belts to the ring before his 2007 title fight with José Luis Castillo, paid tribute to his lasting impact:

“He captured the nation - the support he got, the way people followed him all over the world,” Rooney said on his podcast shortly after the news broke.

Hatton went on to retain his title that night with a trademark knockout — a fitting reminder of how he brought Manchester together, blue or red. On fight nights, whether in Las Vegas or back home, the city stood behind him. Few have managed that before or since.

On the day of his passing, both sides of Manchester came together again, with an emotional tribute before the derby. Fittingly, City won 3-0.

Speaking before the funeral, former boxing world champion and United fan Tyson Fury said: “Without Ricky Hatton, Manchester, the North West, the UK wouldn’t have had so many boxing champions inspired by the great ‘Hitman’,”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, also paid tribute to the Hitman by saying: “He turned up for people. You cannot say that about everyone in life, but Ricky turned up for people. That really matters in life.

“He’s of this place, he’s of these parts. That is why people love him. He made Manchester proud on the world stage.”

Ricky Hatton. The Hitman, the fighter, the ultimate fan and forever an honorary legend of Manchester City Football Club.