Former MEN writer Dominic King recalls a story about Ricky Hatton, 46, whose death was announced at the weekend
08:00, 16 Sep 2025Updated 08:00, 16 Sep 2025
Former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton in 2023
Following the tragic news of the death of former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton at the weekend, people have been paying their heartfelt tributes in the media and online. Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Tameside, on Sunday morning.
News of his death has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the sporting world. But Hatton’s passing has been keenly felt in Greater Manchester, with his love for the city, Manchester City FC and his work making him one of the region’s most famous and loved personalities.
While many tributes have commented on the 46-year-old’s brilliance in the ring, others have shared more personal stories of his compassion and character, which made him such a well-loved figure. One recent tribute posted on X by former Manchester Evening News writer Dominic King, now racing correspondent for Mail Sport, revealed a great example of the ‘Hit Man’s’ humour.
Dominic wrote on X: “Ricky was City through and through, but he symbolised the best of Manchester: chirpy, full of character, burning with ambition as he chased his dream.
“For six months between autumn 2004 and spring 2005, he had a weekly column with the Manchester Evening News. It was my privilege to be his ghost [writer].
“His stories were incredible, the commitment to make himself available unwavering – every Thursday, without fail.
“One week, he didn’t answer despite repeated calls. It was unusual, so I rang him at home.
“‘Sorry buddy,’ he said. ‘I need you to do me a favour – my phone was nicked from the gym when I was training. Can you put a line at the bottom of the column to say: “Congratulations to the bravest man in Manchester who robbed my phone?” or something like that?'”
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When Hatton’s columns appeared in the MEN in 2005, it was the year he won his first world title at light welterweight and then went on to unify the title the same year, beating Carlos Maussa for the WBA light welterweight crown.
But of course there was a twist in the tale.
On his post on X, Dominic King continued: “Within a few hours of the following day’s edition appearing on the streets, the phone was remarkably – and anonymously – returned to the same gym. It was a wonderful reminder of the power of the written word…
“He didn’t need to do the column; he didn’t have to do it – but he wanted to do it. It gave him a chance to talk about City each week. Problem was, it was at a time when City’s form was patchy and wins were hard to come by. He felt he was jinxing results.
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“It was nonsense, of course. We stopped, as he wanted, but he remained at the end of a phone if he was ever needed. He loved the MEN, wanted the people of Manchester to share the ride he was on with him. To be in the Arena for his fights, with that electricity, was an experience like no other.”
After commenting on the “impeccably observed” minute’s silence for the much-loved Hatton at the Manchester derby at the weekend, Dominic added: “Others are far better qualified to say this but what a brilliant lad he was to be around. What a tragedy his light has gone out. Rest in peace, Ricky”.
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