LEGENDARY boxer Ricky Hatton had hoped to stage an “Oasis-style” comeback fight later this year before his tragic death.
Ricky, who retired from the sport in 2012, had announced in July he would come out of his retirement to fight Eisa Aldah in Dubai in December.
Ricky was walked out to a 2008 bout by the Gallagher brothersNews Group Newspapers Ltd
GettyRicky at a Manchester City game last season, donning an Oasis shirt[/caption]
GettyThe boxing legend had planned to stage an ‘Oasis-style’ comeback later this year, following his retirement in 2012[/caption]
Tragically, the former two-weight world champion was found dead at his home this morning.
The Manchester legend announced his return to the sport as Oasis reunited for their first gig in 16 years in Cardiff.
Ricky was close to the Gallagher brothers, with all three being lifelong Manchester City supporters, and the pair even once walked him to the ring for his 2008 win over Paulie Malignaggi.
Motivated by their stellar comeback, Ricky brought delight to boxing fans globally when he announced his return to the sport.
In a heartbreaking interview with SunSport, he highlighted how he had also been inspired to return after getting into shape for a bout three years ago.
Ricky said: “It inspired a lot of people, you know, for me to get in shape again at the age I’m at.
“It was nice for so many people to come up to me and go, ‘Oh, I’ve always struggled with my weight and to see you get it off at your age.’
“‘And to see where you were a few years ago to what you’re doing now, it’s inspirational.’
“Most people most weeks say, ‘From where you were, Rick, to what you’re doing now, it’s so inspiring’. And that’s half the reason why I do it as well.”
While the ever-competitive Ricky was optimistic for his fight, he said that he had no intention of taking a step up in calibre of opponent or a big-money freakshow fight after trading heavy leather with Gulf legend Aldah.
He said: “It’s not like a Manny Pacquiao fight when I’m going in for a world title against a world champion, and I certainly hope I’m not going to be fighting like Mike Tyson is, going into his 60s.
“And Paulie Malignaggi, a former opponent, he’s doing a bare-knuckle one.
“I know everyone’s a bit worried about me, but you don’t have to worry. It’s not as bad as those three.
“I think I know what fights I’m capable of doing and I know which fights are beyond me. And this one is one I’m capable of doing. Don’t worry about me.”
AFP – GettyRicky Hatton battles against Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2007[/caption]
GettyRicky lost just 3 fights out of the 48 in his stellar career[/caption]
ReutersThe champion boxer was ready to make his fans ‘proud’ when re-entering the ring later this year[/caption]
Ricky added that he wanted to make his fans “proud” after being loved for so many years.
He said: “It makes me feel so proud that I was so loved and that people get worried when they hear of me making a comeback. But I’m not as daft as I look.
“I know what fights are beyond me, I know which fights are silly for me, I know which fights I’m capable of and which ones are sensible for me.
“And this is one of them, so I’ll do you proud again.”
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.
Ricky had retired initially retired from boxing in 2011 before staging a comeback fight the following year against Vyacheslav Senchenko.
However, his ill-fated comeback bout led to his immediate retirement in November that year.
After 13 years away from the ring, Ricky sent joy and excitement throughout the boxing word when he announced he would stage a comeback fight in December.
The bout was due to take place on December 2 in Dubai between Ricky and Eisa Aldah.
His opponent, 46-year-old Aldah, was the Gulf’s first ever professional fighter.
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