Before the former boxing world champion and Olympic gold medalist entered the ring, Conor McGregor<\/a> interrupted the broadcast to pay a touching tribute to Ricky Hatton<\/a>. <\/p>\n Ricky Hatton established himself as one of Britain\u2019s greatest ever fighters before recently passing away at the age of 46<\/a>. <\/p>\n The former two-weight world champion had a profound impact on Conor McGregor\u2019s<\/a> career, and the Irishman wanted everyone who watched BKFC 81 to know about it. <\/p>\n \u201cManchester, England, it\u2019s great to be here,\u201d McGregor began. <\/p>\n \u201cRicky Hatton forever. Ricky Hatton is forever.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a message to the Hatton family. We are with you here on your loss.<\/p>\n \u201cYour father was a special, special man. Truly, the greatest fighter of the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n \u201cA man who paved the way for many of the lighter weights, including myself. A hero of mine. <\/p>\n \u201cThis event here is in honor of the legend that is Manchester\u2019s own, Ricky \u2018The Hitman\u2019 Hatton!\u201d<\/p>\n Fighters react to Ricky Hatton\u2019s sad passing <\/p>\n Conor McGregor is the latest in a long line of fighters who have paid tribute to Ricky Hatton<\/a>. <\/p>\n \u201cSuch a sad day for combat sports. Sad day for Great Britain. Sad day for Manchester,\u201d UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall<\/a> wrote on\u00a0Instagram. \u201cI remember as a young boy staying up late to watch his legendary career. The original people\u2019s champion, one of us. Rest in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRIP to the legend\u00a0@rickyhatton\u00a0may he RIP \ud83d\ude4f There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton \ud83c\udfb6. can\u2019t believe this so young,\u201d Tyson Fury<\/a> captioned two pictures of him and the man who helped him on his incredible comeback journey. <\/p>\n \u201cRIP legend,\u201d Joseph Parker posted.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat can I say I\u2019m absolutely devastated. RIP My friend,\u201d Frank Bruno said.<\/p>\n \u201cVery sad to hear the news of Ricky Hatton not being with us anymore. One of the best to do it. Inspired a generation. Thoughts are with his family,\u201d Darren Till<\/a> said. <\/p>\n![\"Ex-boxer](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GettyImages-1137802124-1024x675.jpg\")
Photo by Matthew Lewis\/Getty ImagesConor McGregor pays tribute to Ricky Hatton <\/p>\n