The time Ricky Hatton brought Muhammad Ali to Hyde

Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton, remembered as one of Greater Manchester’s top boxers, passed away at 46. He celebrated a successful boxing career with multiple championships and famously welcomed boxing legend Muhammad Ali to open his Hatton Health and Fitness gym in Hyde in 2009. Hatton described meeting Ali as a “dream come true,” cherishing the visit as a proud moment in his life. Reflecting on the occasion after Ali’s death in 2016, Hatton recalled how the community was captivated by Ali’s presence, with people stopping their cars to catch a glimpse. Despite Ali’s declining health due to Parkinson’s, he was gracious and engaging with fans. Hatton admired Ali not only for his boxing prowess but also for his influence beyond the ring, highlighting his role in promoting social change. Hatton’s memories reinforce the deep impact both he and Ali had on their community and the sport of boxing.

Read the full article at Manchester Evening News