It is often said that you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. This common human tendency to overlook blessings until they disappear is applicable in so many forms. We naturally overlook relationships, health, possessions and memories, and we don’t necessarily know we are experiencing the “good times” until worse ones come along. Devastatingly, this also applies to people as well as there are many who aren't fully appreciated until they depart this world. While this is common, it is not the case for Ricky Hatton. Everybody knew just how special he was.
The former two-weight world boxing champion was found dead inside his home in Hyde on the morning of the 14th September, leaving behind a legacy unlike any other fighter ever to come from these shores. While the cause of death has not been announced, Greater Manchester Police have said they are not treating the incident as suspicious.
Similarly to the tragic death of Liverpool striker Diogo Jota earlier this year, the shock and anguish of a life taken so young was not limited to sports fans.
Ricky Hatton was one of the most universally loved figures in Britain. Not only was he an example of excellence and truly one of the most captivating sportsmen of his time, he was also a man of the people and shared his struggles with mental health and addiction over the years, often encouraging others to speak out and no doubt saving lives.
Hatton was always candid about his struggles with clinical depression and never shied away from sharing his story in the public domain. He was also immensely popular and quick-witted, and he never changed even amongst the generational wealth and adulation of the British crowd.
People loved the Hitman not only because he was a great fighter - and he was - but because he was a good man who never forgot where he came from. Hatton would eat a full English breakfast in The Butty Box before putting on virtuoso performances against some of the greatest fighters of his era and go to the pub and play darts with locals while in training camp. He truly was the People’s Champion and even amongst the devastation of his passing, one profound thought sticks in my mind: He experienced so much love.
Hatton had his issues in public over the years, of that there is no doubt. He previously spoke about falling into deep depression following his loss to Manny Pacquiao in 2009 and he admitted to previously attempting suicide and binge drinking where he would lose track of days. The Mancunian candidly admitted that he found it difficult to speak to his own friends about his struggles. But he never stayed silent on his belief that people should speak out. Hatton emphasised the importance of admitting when you're hurting, and not being ashamed of mental illness. He was also a patron of Barnabus - a Manchester-based charity that offers support to homeless and vulnerable people through its drop-in centre.
Ricky Hatton was an icon in Britain because he was a good man before he was an elite fighter. He also garnered the support of the British public unlike any other public figure in my lifetime. Politicians get millions of votes, but they aren't cast out of love. Musicians sell out arenas, but it is very difficult for people to get a sense of the real people behind the acts. Because of Hatton, tens of thousands of Brits would regularly travel to Las Vegas to support him, even if they didn't have tickets for the fight. They loved him, and they wanted him to know it.
Social media has shown this. As someone who has a love/hate relationship with various platforms, I make a conscious effort to stay off them at certain times. They are filled with hate speech, agendas and a general lack of decency quite often. But in the case of Hatton, there has been an outpouring of support and emotion, both from famous figures and people like you and me.
There has been no division or debating about the kind of man he was. People all over the world are devastated and in reading some of the posts it is clear to see why.
I have found comfort in reading some of the tweets from people who aren't public figures because they exemplify the gestures and thoughtfulness of Hatton to the common man. There have been numerous examples of people thanking Hatton for opening up on his struggles and helping people in their challenges with addiction and mental health. There have been others of him giving to notable causes, surprising fans with tickets to fights, and there have even been posts thanking him simply for buying them a pint.
All of this is to say, it is no wonder Hatton was so loved. He wasn’t perfect and he didn't try to be. He wasn’t an unapproachable, out of touch “celebrity” whom people feel they couldn't engage with. He was the Hitman - a down to earth bloke who happened to be a world-class fighter. He used his platform to encourage people to speak out if they are struggling through all of the struggles, Ricky Hatton showed that even amongst imperfections you can still be a great man.
At what will be a time of unimaginable pain for his family, I hope the outpouring of love for Ricky Hatton will provide comfort at some point in the future.