Being talented alone isn’t enough to make a sportsperson become a cult hero.
There needs to be much more to the story of their life and character to turn a liked superstar into an adored one.
As Manchester grieves the tragic passing of one of its most beloved sons, the tributes continue to pour in for a boxer who was admired around the world.
Ricky Hatton wasn’t just one of the finest boxing champions of all time – he was the People’s Champion.
The Hitman wore his heart on his sleeve and was the prime example of a normal bloke with an extraordinary talent.
Raised on a council estate, he tapped into the hearts and minds of sports fans up and down Britain and beyond.
With the heart of a lion and honesty in spades, the Manchester City and Oasis fanatic upset the odds to land world titles in two weight divisions.
And even when his fairytale stories in the squared circle didn’t produce a fairytale ending, his folklore and legacy grew.
Because Hatton wasn’t brave. He was the bravest of the brave. He didn’t shy away from the bouts that were probably a step too far.
The warrior’s name rang around Las Vegas long after he’d swung for Floyd Mayweather and been beaten. Fans chanted for hours after Manny Pacquiao had floored him.
Somehow, his legacy grew even more through those moments than perhaps they did during his 45 victories. Three defeats, that’s all – a pair of which came against arguably two of the finest to ever step foot into a ring.
His army of fans followed him in great numbers, roaring themselves hoarse. Those defeats hurt but the pride grew.
Sadly for Hatton, they served as fuel for the battles and demons he has shown immense courage to talk about on a public platform.
Addictions, mental health issues, suicidal thoughts and some messy personal affairs no doubt took their toll on a man who kept fighting back. It’s why others looked up to him when they struggled.
He created connections throughout his life and career because he was unashamedly himself. They won’t disappear now he’s sadly no longer with us. He partied with friends, fans and family like most of us mere mortals would. A sporting icon who felt like a mate.
Funny, entertaining and happy to laugh at himself, Hatton was a heavyweight star in a smaller boxer’s body. It’s not often those weight classes become the main event, but the Hitman made it happen.
His planned comeback at the age of 46 had worried many. However, it was reported he was in a decent place and enjoying time in the gym – it was his salvation.
Hatton provided hope for so many – belief that they can achieve and the understanding that it’s ok to not be ok. He bared his soul. That’s why the love for him will live on forever.
Frank Warren: “From making his debut in Widnes in 1997 to then go on to win one of the most historic fights in British boxing history against Kostya Tszyu in Manchester, Ricky will rightly go down as one of the modern greats of this sport.”
Eddie Hearn: “Everybody loved Ricky. May he rest in eternal peace.”
David Beckham: “Ricky was one of a kind, just heartbreaking. Ricky was special in many ways, loved by his fans.”
Manny Pacquiao: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was not only a great fighter inside the ring but also a brave and kind man in life. We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history and I will always honour the respect and sportsmanship he showed.”
Roy Keane: “The guy was a warrior, he gave everything for that sport. The fans thought so highly of him because he left everything in that ring, absolutely shocking news.”
Amir Kahn: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton. As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong – we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind. Mental health isn’t weakness.”
Wayne Rooney: “Devastated. A legend, a warrior, and a great person. Thoughts are with all Ricky’s family.”
James Wade: “The world was a better place with you in it. A true legend has been lost. Rest in peace Ricky.”
Little more than 100 days ago, Sheffield United were about 15 minutes away from a return to the Premier League.
In that time they’ve sacked the manager who got them to the Championship play-off final, Chris Wilder, appointed a new manager and then sacked him with the man who nearly got them up set to return for his third spell at the club. Are you keeping up?
Seemingly not content with city rivals Wednesday creating a soap opera of a different kind, United have axed Ruben Selles after losing all six games in the second tier so far.
Talk of AI-based recruitment, fans turning on the now-departed boss and the Blades worrying about dropping into the third tier have made for a mad three months.
Yet it’s incredible to think Wilder will return for a third spell at Bramall Lane given how he was treated in the summer.
A total of 92 points in 2024/25 was only good enough for third given the incredible form of Leeds and Burnley.
A defeat in a promotion shootout match is hardly a sackable offence either.
At least the board appear to have held their hands up and admitted having made an error in appointing Selles.
What money on Wilder guiding United up the table – and fairly quickly – before ultimately departing again at some point; perhaps for the final time.
He is deemed by many to be the Steel City outfit’s greatest manager of all time but even he couldn’t have written this script.
Perhaps he’ll have the last laugh by guiding them to promotion and then walking away on his own terms – what a story that would be!
