Boxing legend Ricky Hatton spoke about preferring to be remembered as "a man of the people" rather than the greatest fighter in a poignant final interview recorded just four days before his death. The 46-year-old former world champion was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester on September 14.
In his last recorded conversation with First Round TV, Hatton revealed his priorities had shifted from sporting greatness to public affection. "I didn't want to be the best we've ever had but I always dreamt of being up there in the same bracket," he said. "I didn't want to be No.1 but as long as they mention Ricky Hatton in amongst my heroes... I'll never wake up from that."
Connection to fans
The Manchester fighter, who grew up on a council estate, emphasised his authentic connection with supporters throughout his career. "I do a lot of Sportsman's Dinners with Frank Bruno and I feel very proud when people say 'our Frank' and 'our Ricky'," Hatton explained. "I am not saying we were the best but we were probably the two most loved."
He described himself as "a man of the people, a jack-the-lad, the kid-next-door who couldn't give two s***s and said it the way it is." Despite achieving world champion status in two weight divisions, Hatton insisted he never lost touch with his working-class roots.
Staying grounded
Hatton revealed he had remained within a 10-mile radius of where he was born, continuing to visit his local pub for darts on Monday nights and playing football with veterans on Sunday afternoons. "My mates now are still the same mates I went to school with, no late newcomers, always the same mates," he said.
The boxer, who defeated Kostya Tszyu in 2005 to become world champion before facing Floyd Mayweather in 2007, reflected on maintaining his authentic personality despite fame. "Life changed for me, but I don't think I changed," he added.
Funeral arrangements
A funeral service will take place at Manchester Cathedral on Friday, October 10 at midday. According to the Liverpool Echo, the funeral procession will include stops at significant locations including Hatton's Gym and end at the Etihad Stadium.
Final days
In a tragic irony, the Daily Mail reports that Hatton had said "I've never been better" in his final interview and expressed gratitude for not taking his own life during previous dark periods. His manager Paul Speak, who found him, believes "he didn't intend to do it" as he "had it all to live for."
Sources used: "Mirror", "Manchester Evening News", "Daily Mail", "Liverpool Echo"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
