PHIL Foden pays a personal tribute to Ricky Hatton as he visits the boxing hero’s family.
The Manchester City ace left the shirt he wore in the derby with United hours after avid supporter Ricky was found dead aged 46.
SplashPhil Foden pays a personal tribute to Ricky Hatton[/caption]
SplashThe Manchester City ace left the shirt he wore in the derby with United hours after avid supporter Ricky was found dead[/caption]
Splash‘There is only 1 Ricky Hatton. Rest in peace, Phil’, read the footballer’s message[/caption]
GettyPhil scored the opening goal in Man City’s 3-0 win over United in the derby[/caption]
Foden, in his training kit, arrived unannounced with partner Rebecca Cooke.
As well as the signed shirt, he left a bouquet.
A message read: “There is only 1 Ricky Hatton. Rest in peace, Phil”.
Yesterday a source close to the Hatton family said: “Phil came round very quietly — no fanfare, just to pay his respects. The whole family was bowled over by the gesture, and the manner that Phil did it.
“Ricky would have been so proud.”
After City’s 3-0 win, Foden told Sky Sports: “It was for him and his family and for the people suffering right now. The lads gave everything.”
People’s Champion Ricky, a dad of three, was discovered at his £1.75million home in Gee Cross, Gtr Manchester, on Sunday morning by his manager.
The pair had been due to fly to Dubai ahead of a promo day for an upcoming exhibition fight.
Ricky’s family said in a statement: “He was excited for the future. His bag was packed ready to go.”
Hatton’s brother Matthew thanked well-wishers and wrote: “I hope he’s found the peace that eluded him in life.”
Hatton claimed world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweight, winning 45 of 48 fights.
SplashFoden, in his training kit, arrived unannounced with partner Rebecca Cooke[/caption]
SplashThe star also left a bouquet of flowers[/caption]
SplashFoden dedicated City’s win to the boxer[/caption]
Splash‘Ricky would have been so proud’, said a source close to the Hatton family[/caption]
Flowers and gifts left at Ricky’s homeZenpix
SplashCampbell Hatton spotted at the Hatton residence[/caption]
SplashManager Paul Speak by the wall of tributes[/caption]
Andy Kelvin / KelvinmediaFoden’s flowers amongst the tributes[/caption]
I can’t believe dad has gone
RICKY’S son Campbell posted a moving tribute to his dad online.
The former boxer, 24, wrote on Instagram yesterday: “Heartbroken isn’t the word.
“Everybody has always said I was your double — never a truer word said. Looked up to you in every aspect of life.
“Can’t explain how much I’m going to miss the laughs we had. Just can’t believe we won’t have any more. Love you, Dad.”
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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