Tyson Fury pays touching tribute to Ricky Hatton before stunning ring walk with fans forced to stand

Callum Vurley
Sat, 11 Apr 2026 21:20:49 +0000

Tyson Fury put rivalry aside tonight to honour his late friend Ricky Hatton in the most touching way possible.

The Gypsy King stepped into Tottenham Hotspur Stadium decked out head to toe in Manchester City's sky blue – a remarkable gesture from a lifelong Manchester United supporter.

It was all for Hatton, the beloved British boxing legend who passed away in September last year at just 46 years old.

Fury's entire outfit paid homage to the Hitman, who famously wore City's colours throughout his own illustrious career and remained a devoted supporter of the club until his death.

The tribute ahead of his bout with Arslanbek Makhmudov left fans deeply moved.

The gloves bore the message "There's only one Ricky Hatton," while his shorts displayed "RIP Ricky" across the back – a deeply personal nod to one of Manchester's finest fighters.

Fury's ring walk was equally poignant, with the former heavyweight champion entering to "Blue Moon," City's iconic anthem that Hatton loved so dearly.

Before making his way to the ring, Fury paused, closed his eyes and stretched out his arms in a moment of quiet reflection for his fallen friend.

The stadium announcer asked everyone at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to rise in a mark of respect.

NEARLY TIME FOR THE RETURN ‼️

Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov goes down NEXT ⌛️#FuryMakhmudov is LIVE NOW on Netflix 📺 pic.twitter.com/Ru0mah8iSP
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) April 11, 2026

What followed was a spectacular entrance, complete with a jaw-dropping fireworks display erupting from the roof.

Fury and Hatton shared a genuine bond that went far beyond boxing circles.

The Hitman played a crucial role in Fury's remarkable return to the sport after the heavyweight had struggled with his weight and stepped away from fighting.

HERE COMES THE GYPSY KING 👑

Tyson Fury rocks Tottenham Stadium as he makes his entrance and pays tribute to Ricky Hatton 🕊️#FuryMakhmudov is LIVE NOW on Netflix 📺 pic.twitter.com/AunSuhT1vx
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) April 11, 2026

Hatton was part of Fury's team during that difficult comeback period, and the Gypsy King has spoken openly about how much his friend meant to him both personally and professionally.

Fans watching at home and in the stadium were quick to praise the heartfelt gesture.

"Not gonna lie, wearing that sky blue Ricky Hatton tribute from Tyson Fury is all class," one supporter wrote on social media.

Another simply said: "Respect to Fury for the Hatton outfit."