THE boxer who was next in line to fight Ricky Hatton has broken his silence after the Brit’s tragic death.
The former world champion was found dead aged 46 in his Manchester home on Sunday.
Eisa Al Dah was due to fight Ricky Hatton in DecemberInstagram/eisaaldah
ReutersThey were going to face off in Dubai[/caption]
ReutersThe British boxer was found dead in his Manchester home[/caption]
UAE fighter Eisa Al Dah, 46, was due to be the next person to face the Hitman in the ring in Dubai on December 2.
He has now broken his silence following the news of Hatton’s death.
He told The National: “In just a couple of hours, I was [going to see] him here in Dubai.
“We booked the hotel. We booked the [plane] ticket. Everything had been arranged.
“From my side, I was checking everything, and I was so excited to see him over here and visit us here in Dubai.
“And he was also excited. But suddenly, I get this news from his managers. My heart is broken.
“Since knowing I will fight him, I became very close to him, seeing his news, following him on Instagram.
“I follow his life, how he trained, everything. I cannot believe it. I wish somebody told me this is wrong.
“I’ve been through many things in my life in the boxing or business.
“But this is something that I cannot believe.”
Al Dah and Hatton only recently announced their fight, which would have seen the two-weight world champ return to the ring.
The bout had been dubbed the “Destiny in the Desert 2”.
Tributes have poured in for Hatton across the world following the news of his death.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney was told of the boxer’s passing after playing in a football icons match in South Korea.
Ricky Hatton’s biggest boxing wins
Ricky Hatton tasted defeat just three times in an illustrious 46 fight career that saw him earn an estimated £37million in prize money. Here are some of his most memorable victories:
Tommy Peacock by TKO – In his 11th fight as a professional Ricky won his first title – the vacant Central Area light-welterweight belt – at Oldham Sports Centre
Jon Thaxton on points – Ricky picked up national honours when he defeated Thaxton for the vacant British light-welterweight strap at Wembley Conference Centre in 2000
Kostya Tsyzu retired – In front of a rapturous home crowd inside Manchester’s MEN Arena, Ricky became a world champion for the first time. He won the IBF and The Ring light-welterweight titles against the former undisputed champ Tsyzu
Luis Collazo unanimous decision – Just three fights later Ricky added to his title collection, claiming the WBA light-welterweight title stateside by beating tough Collazo over 12 rounds
Paulie Malignaggi TKO – Ricky’s final boxing victory came against loud-mouthed American-Italian fighter Malignaggi in Las Vegas. The Hitman let his fists do the talking and stopped his foe in the 11th round. He earned a cool $2.5million for his night’s work.
Six months later Ricky would taste defeat for a second time, the first being against Floyd Mayweather in 2007, against Phillippino superstar Manny Pacquiao. He suffered a brutal second round knockout and was taken to hospital for a precautionary brain scan
Rooney admitted that he was left “devastated” having previously carried Hatton’s belts into the ring for him
Hatton was a massive Man City fan and his reserved seat was left empty for the Manchester derby on Sunday.
The two teams both took part in a moment’s applause for the boxer as Pep Guardiola was close to tears.
Oasis singer and City fan Liam Gallagher also paid tribute to Hatton on social media.
He wrote: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about RICKY HATTON.
“It was an absolute honour to know him and carry his belts. RIP CHAMP LIVE FOREVER LG x.”
Ricky Hatton’s biggest boxing wins
By Jack Figg
Paulie Malignaggi, November 2008
In his first fight since splitting with long-time trainer Billy Graham, Hatton dominated Malignaggi in one of his best displays of boxing.
Coached by Floyd Mayweather Sr, Hatton would earn a 2009 fight with Manny Pacquiao, which ended in a horrifying KO loss.
Luis Collazo, June 2007
Hatton dropped the veteran American in the opening seconds of round one and looked on course for a demolition job.
But he was taken to the brink over 12 rounds but held on to victory – earning him a super-fight with Floyd Mayweather six months later.
Kostya Tszyu, June 2005
Russian-born Aussie Tszyu was behind only Floyd Mayweather in the pound-for-pound rankings when he travelled to Manchester.
And Hatton pulled off a career-best win to stop Tszyu in the 11th round of what was a brutal war. He became light-welterweight world champ.
Eamonn Magee, June 2002
Hatton was dropped by the Irishman and looked to be on the brink of defeat.
But he got to his feet and rallied back to win over 12 rounds – showcasing his trademark grit and determination.
Jon Thaxton, October 2000
Hatton had to overcome a nasty cut – not for the first time in his career – to edge out a points win.
It won him the British light-welterweight title.
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