TYSON FURY has paid tribute to the late Ricky Hatton and said: “I wanted to be just like him”.
Hatton – Britain’s beloved fighter – sadly passed away aged just 46 in September – leaving behind an iconic legacy.
Fury pictured in Hatton’s gym before his heroic boxing comeback[/caption]
Renowned as the working-class people’s champion – the heroic Mancunian inspired an era of up and coming fighters – like Fury.
And the Gypsy King remembers cheering on Hatton in 2005 – in what was the two-weight champ’s crowning night against Kostya Tszyu.
During a run, Fury told his Instagram followers: “Today’s the day of Ricky Hatton’s funeral and I’m not going to be alone when I say this that Ricky inspired me as a young boy to go on and do great things in boxing.
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“I wanted to be just like him, the ringwalks, the flashy shorts, the fans, the chanting.
“When I was a little kid, he was fighting for his world title in Manchester against Kostya Tszyu and I was there along with other young kids who were also inspired by Ricky.
“So without Ricky Hatton, Manchester wouldn’t have had, the North West wouldn’t have had, the UK wouldn’t have had, so many boxing world champions inspired by the great Richard The Hitman Hatton.
“Rest in peace, Rick. See you soon buddy.”
Fury won the heavyweight world title in a 2015 upset against Wladimir Klitschko.
But by 2017, he was forced to vacate the three belts after falling into depression and substance abuse.
Hatton – who also suffered mentally throughout his career and retirement – helped Fury through the tough times.
Fury trained in Hatton’s Manchester gym for his 2018 comeback and even had the former two-weight champ in his corner.
The Gypsy King later regained the world title with victory over Deontay Wilder in 2020 – holding the belt for four years.
Hatton’s death meanwhile shocked the British public, leaving behind son Campbell, daughters Fearne, Millie and granddaughter Lyla.
His funeral – held at Manchester cathedral – saw stars like Fury, Frank Bruno, Amir Khan, Wayne Rooney and Freddie Flintoff turn out.
Thousands of fans also lined the streets to say goodbye to the sporting legend.
Tyson Fury arrives at the funeral[/caption]
Wayne Rooney and wife Coleen arrive at the funeral[/caption]
Claire Sweeney, former partner of Hatton, pictured[/caption]
Cricket legend Freddie Flintoff[/caption]
Amir Khan in attendance[/caption]
Hatton’s parents Ray and Carol[/caption]
