Ricky Hatton’s old school friend has shared a heartwarming story about the boxing legend, recalling how he once phoned her grandmother just to make her day.
Hatton, 46, was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, early on Sunday morning. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
The news has led to an outpouring of grief across British sport, with fans in Hyde lining up to sign a book of condolence at the town hall.
Jamie Pulford, who went to school with the former world champion, said Hatton was always a down-to-earth character who never forgot where he came from.
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“He was always a joker and willing to have a quick chat,” Pulford told the BBC.
“He even took the time out one day to ring my nan to surprise her, so she could say that Ricky Hatton had rang her. My mum always loved him for that.
“He was a special lad, always humble and stayed true to his roots, true to his people.
Ricky Hatton’s old school friend has shared a heartwarming story about the boxing legend, recalling how he once phoned her grandmother just to make her day
|GETTY
"He always, always had time for anybody who wanted to stop him for an autograph or a photograph – and you don’t get many that’ll do that.”
Manchester City, Hatton’s beloved club, held a minute’s applause before their derby win over Manchester United at the Etihad on Sunday.
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Fans have since been leaving tributes and flowers in Hyde to honour the man known as “The Hitman.”
City star Phil Foden also paid a personal tribute, visiting Hatton’s family this week to present his match-worn Manchester derby shirt and a bouquet of flowers.
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Ricky Hatton was tragically found dead at his home in Manchester on Sunday | PAHis message read: “There is only 1 Ricky Hatton. Rest in peace, Phil.”
Hatton’s family revealed on Wednesday that he had been in a “good place” in the days before his death and had been excited about an upcoming trip to Dubai to promote a planned comeback fight.
His son, Campbell, who followed him into the boxing ring before retiring earlier this year, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram.
He wrote: “Heartbroken isn’t the word.
Ricky Hatton was a fan favourite and captured world titles in two weight divisions during his boxing career | GETTY"Looked up to you in every aspect of life… Can’t explain how much I’m going to miss the laughs we had and all the good times which I will remember forever.
"Just can’t believe we won’t have any more. Love you dad.”