Ricky Hatton: Lord Mayor’s City boxing gala postponed

Thursday 18 September 2025 5:03 pm

Subsequent month’s boxing gala through which Ricky Hatton was attributable to obtain the Freedom of the Metropolis of London has been postponed following the much-loved British fighter’s demise.

Former world welterweight champion Hatton was discovered lifeless at house in his native Manchester on Sunday, aged 46. Police stated there have been no suspicious circumstances.

Hatton, fellow fighter Michael Watson and promoter Barry Hearn had been set to obtain the Freedom of the Metropolis on the Guildhall throughout an occasion organised by the boxing-loving Lord Mayor.

It’s hoped that the night time, which was additionally set to function white-collar boxing involving firefighters from London and New York, might be rescheduled for a later date.

Organisers stated in an announcement launched immediately: “Following the tragic demise on the weekend of principal visitor of honour Ricky Hatton, the choice has been taken to postpone the Lord Mayor’s Fireplace Struggle Night time scheduled for eighth October.

“The Lord Mayor of London, the Rt Hon Alastair King DL, stated: ‘Like so many, I’m deeply saddened to be taught of the passing of Ricky Hatton, a real legend of British boxing and a much-loved determine throughout the nation.

“Ricky was attributable to obtain the Freedom of the Metropolis of London on the day of the Struggle Night time occasion, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to sport and to the communities he impressed.

Metropolis ‘extends condolences to Hatton household’

“Although he’s not with us, his preventing spirit, humility and dedication will proceed to encourage generations to come back. On behalf of the Metropolis of London, I lengthen my heartfelt condolences to his household, pals, and all those that admired him.’

“On behalf of the Lord Mayor and the Lord Mayor’s Attraction, we thank all of the supporters of the Fireplace Struggle Night time.

“The purpose is for the occasion to be rescheduled for a later date, in session with the Lord Mayor’s Attraction and contemplating how greatest to honour Ricky Hatton. Additional particulars will probably be communicated in the end.”

Talking in July, Hatton stated he was “completely happy to bits to be given the Freedom of the Metropolis of London – it’s an actual honour and one thing I by no means imagined occurring to me”.

He added: “London’s at all times held a particular place in my coronary heart and been the situation for a lot of of my fights, most memorably once I received the WBU gentle welterweight world title at Wembley convention centre towards Tony Pep, so to be recognised like this implies quite a bit.”