Manchester City have confirmed that there will be a minute’s appreciation ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester United in tribute to boxing icon Ricky Hatton.
Hatton, 46, was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday morning (September 14).
A spokesman from Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a body had been found at Hatton's address on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross, Hyde, and that the death was not being treated as suspicious.
Tributes have poured in for the former British two-weight world champion. Amir Khan was one of the first to pay tribute to Hatton, describing him as one of Britain's greatest boxers.
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Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Tyson Fury also penned a heartfelt message, saying: "Rip to the legend Ricky Hatton may he RIP. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can't believe this so young."
Manchester City, the club Hatton supported throughout his life, have since paid tribute with a statement ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby.
It read: "Manchester City are devastated to learn Ricky Hatton has passed away, aged 46.
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"Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters, who will always be remembered for a glittering boxing career that saw him win world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight.
"Everyone at the Club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
"We can confirm there will be a minute’s appreciation ahead of today’s game against Manchester United."
City went on to describe Hatton as one of their most loved and revered supporters, and recalled his bout at the Etihad against Juan Lazcano.
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"Hatton wore sky blue shorts and used Blue Moon as his walkout song throughout his career – and in 2008 he fulfilled another dream when he fought Juan Lazcano at the Etihad Stadium," the club added.
As mentioned above, former unified light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan was one of the first to pay tribute to Hatton as he delivered an important message about mental health.
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"Today we lost not only one of Britain's greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton," he wrote.
"As fighters, we tell ourselves we're strong - we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind.
"Mental health isn't weakness. It's part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other.
"Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what's possible. To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding."
Topics: Man City, Premier League, Ricky Hatton, Man Utd
Jack Kenmare