‘This is more than an event. It’s a celebration. It’s a tribute’
12:53, 09 Apr 2026Updated 12:53, 09 Apr 2026
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A star-studded celebration of life for Ricky Hatton will be held at the AO Arena in June(Image: PA)
A ‘spectacular’ celebration of life in honour of Ricky Hatton will be held in Manchester this summer.
The boxing legend died in September last year at the age of 46. At the time, the Hyde champion had been planning a return to the ring after a 13-year hiatus with a fight scheduled for December.
The Hitman, who was best known for his clashes with the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas, was described by his son Campbell as ‘fearless’ at an inquest into his death last month, adding that he ‘lived his life in and out of the ring at a hundred per cent and he always said he never regretted it’.
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It has now been announced that a star-studded ‘Las Vegas-style’ celebration will take place at the AO Arena on June 7. Organisers have said that the Evening4Ricky show will feature a reimagined boxing stage as a line-up of artists and performers take part in a series of entertainment ‘rounds’.
The boxing champion was nicknamed The Hitman due to his fighting style(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Whilst no names have been officially confirmed, the event is set to feature ‘some of Ricky’s favourite music artists’, as well as top comedians and legendary figures. Tickets to the one-night-only event will start from £25 each, with tickets first going on sale on Monday (April 13) at 12pm via Ticketmaster and AXS.
The show will also mark the official international TV launch of the Ricky Hatton Foundation, which was founded last year to raise vital funds and awareness to provide access to mental health services, community programmes, and educational campaigns.
Describing the Evening4Ricky show, promoters for the event said: “The evening will feature a reimagined boxing style stage in the centre of the arena floor, where the fun and entertainment will take place. Featuring 12 very different rounds of world-class entertainment.
“Expect live performances from some of Ricky’s favourite music artists, tributes with legendary figures who knew him best, incredibly emotional features, top comedians, entertainers and interactive fan experiences that put you right at the heart of the action.
Ricky Hatton against Marco Antonio Barrera in the exhibition bout at the AO Arena back in November 2022(Image: PA)
“Included in the live performances will be all-star DJs, bands and special performances that will keep the energy high, delivering a true party atmosphere inside the arena. We want to raise the roof for Ricky as he did when he ruled the world.
“This is the evening Ricky’s fans can re-live the biggest fight nights of his career – where Manchester meets Las Vegas! Join us in coming together and sharing a once in a lifetime moment with everyone who loved him.”
Aimed to be a ‘a fitting tribute to a man who gave us so many glorious nights and who lived life to the fullest’, fans are also encouraged to dress up and make an occasion out of the show. Organisers added: “This is more than an event. It’s a celebration. It’s a tribute. It is one night only.
“It’s a unique chance to come together, dress up, sing loud, share a night full of energy, laughter (and maybe a few tears) and unforgettable moments in honour of one of Manchester’s favourite sons.”
Fans who sign up to the AO Arena’s email mailing list will be able to receive an early bird discount on tickets when they go on sale on April 13.