Boxer Luke Littler expresses grief over not having met boxing icon Ricky Hatton, paying a heartfelt homage to the legendary figure
In the world of boxing, few names resonate as much as Ricky Hatton. The British boxer, who passed away at the age of 46, left an indelible mark on the sport with his fierce fighting spirit and friendly demeanor.
Hatton, a two-weight world champion, fought 48 times professionally at either light welterweight or welterweight between 1997 and 2012. His career was marked by memorable fights and unexpected comebacks, none more so than the one in June 2002 when he dropped Eamonn Magee but went on to win over 12 rounds.
However, it was his victory against Kostya Tszyu in June 2005 that truly catapulted him to stardom. Ranked second in the pound-for-pound rankings at the time, Tszyu was no easy opponent. But Hatton proved his mettle, stopping Tszyu in the 11th round to claim the IBF light-welterweight title in his 39th successive pro win.
Yet, there are a new generation of fans who never got to witness Hatton at his peak. Luke Littler, the reigning darts world champion, was born in January 2007. While he's aware of Hatton's achievements, he missed out on the iconic fights, including the one against Tszyu.
Littler often finds himself going through old boxing fights, including Hatton's, when he's bored at night. He even paid tribute to Hatton by watching some of his most famous fights on YouTube.
Littler was not alone in his admiration for Hatton. Social media platforms were filled with memories and tributes following his passing, a testament to the impact he had on the sport and its fans.
Despite his well-documented struggles, Hatton's family believes he was in a good place at the time of his passing. They revealed that he was excited for the future and planning a comeback fight and a celebration in Dubai, where his daughters, Millie and Fearne, were expected to see him fight for the first time in person.
Hatton's legacy in the ring and his friendliness with punters continued to echo through the years. Stories of his fights against Floyd Mayweather, Paulie Malignaggi, and Manny Pacquiao, which drew large crowds of Brits over to Las Vegas, are still told with awe and reverence.
Even darts players Chris Dobey and Ross Smith, who never had the chance to meet Hatton, spoke fondly of him, calling him a "proper lad."
In the end, Ricky Hatton was more than just a boxer. He was a symbol of resilience, a testament to the power of the human spirit, and a friend to many. His memory will continue to live on, not just in the ring, but in the hearts of those he touched.
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