BOXING trainer Blain Younis has paid tribute to “close friend” Ricky Hatton following his tragic death.
Champion fighter Hatton, 46, was found dead at his home in Manchester on Sunday.
Boxing trainer Blain Younis has paid tribute to his close friend, Ricky Hatton
The duo trained together and became friends
The shock news plunged the boxing world into mourning, with some of the sport’s biggest names paying tribute.
Now, boxing coach Younis, who worked with Hatton before becoming a close friend of the former world champion, has shared a heartfelt message on social media.
He said: “They say never meet your heroes…
“But if you was a young amateur boxer from Manchester that was pretty much impossible, because our hero was Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton.
“He trained at the local boxing club, went to the local swimming baths for his sauna’s, drank in all the local pubs, handed out the trophies at all the local amateur shows, and just mixed with the people of Tameside like he was no different to the rest of us… We couldn’t not meet him.
“But he was different, he was a local star, on his way to being a global star, someone all us young boxers looked up to and wanted to be like when we grew up…
“He wasn’t your average man, he was a beast in that ring and he lit Manchester up like nobody ever had before and I really don’t think nobody ever will again.
“Fast forward a good few years and after having to retire from boxing early due to injury, I went on to spend the next 15 years working for, and then alongside, the Hitman himself.
PAHatton was found dead at his home in Manchester on Sunday[/caption]
“We won titles from central area level right up to world level, and then pretty much everything in between, whilst also building plenty of fighters on the small halls right from their debuts.
“In the middle of all this… Ricky got the itch and decided he fancied another blast, nothing serious, but an exhibition bout with his good friend Marco Antonio Barrerra.
“I couldn’t believe it when he asked me if I would train him for it, I was f***ing BUZZING. I was about to train my childhood boxing hero for a f***ing fight.
“We put the graft in and then before you knew it… it was Fight Night.
“The fight went great and they did themselves and their teams proud, making the event a massive success… Job Done.
“So… Not only did I meet my hero… I worked for him, worked alongside him, trained him for a fight, wrapped his hands, and led him into battle.
“And on top of all that I made a friend of him.
“So for me, meeting my hero actually had a massive impact on my life and has given me memories that I will cherish forever.
“I can’t believe it’s the end of our road but he’s at peace now and I truly hope he’s in a better place.
“@rickyhitmanhatton… Thank You for Everything… May You Rest In Peace.”
Police discovered Hatton’s body at his £1.75million mansion in Hyde, Greater Manchester, just before 7am on Sunday.
A statement said the death was not being treated as suspicious.
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.
Earlier today Hatton’s family released a statement.
It said he was looking forward to his daughters Millie and Fearne seeing him fight live for the first time as he geared up for an exhibition bout in December.
It added: “We are all distraught at the events of recent days. To all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place.
“He was excited for the future; his bag was packed ready to go to Dubai to promote a comeback fight and he was planning a celebration in Dubai which his beloved girls Millie and Fearne were to be the centre of.
“He was excited that they would see him fight for the first time in person.”
It went on to say: “He was a doting grandfather and loved spending time with Campbell and Lyla. Richard planned to spend more time in Tenerife.”
The statement confirmed Hatton was found by his manager and long-time friend Paul Speak.
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