Hatton was 46 at the time of his death on Sunday. The boxing icon was found dead in his home in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following his passing away, Man City released a statement to offer their tribute to the life-long Cityzen. Former player and club legend Kompany, too, took to social media to pay tribute to Hatton.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kompany posted a photo of him and Hatton from his time as a City player. “We’ll miss you Ricky. Our thoughts are with the family and friends. Rest in peace Legend,” the ex-defender wrote.
Having started his career in 1997, Hatton held multiple world championships in both the super-lightweight and welterweight categories. He rose to prominence after lifting the British super-lightweight title in 2000. Five years later, in 2005, he recorded perhaps the greatest feat of his career, as he beat the legendary Kostya Tszyu to the world بطولة at the MEN Arena in Manchester. Other prominent bouts during his career were his fights against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in 2007 and 2009, respectively. He retired from the sport in 2012, but was slated for a comeback later this year.
Ahead of the Manchester ديربي on Sunday evening, it was confirmed that City would hold a one-minute appreciation in honour of Hatton at the Etihad Stadium. Both teams will also be wearing black armbands in remembrance of the late boxer.
