BOXING Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao was shocked and saddened by the untimely death of former foe Ricky Hatton, who he described as a brave and kind man.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was not only a great fighter inside the ring, but also a brave and kind man in life,” said the 46-year-old former senator in a statement on Sunday shortly upon hearing the death of the former world champion from England.
READ Ricky Hatton, former world champ and Pacquiao opponent, dead at 46
Nicknamed ‘The Hitman,’ Hatton was found dead in his home on Sunday morning. Greater Manchester police are not treating the death as suspicious.
He was 46.
Hatton reigned as world light-welterweight and welterweight champion during a career that spanned 15 years and marked by memorable fights against legends like Floyd Mayweather Jr., Kostya Tszyu, Jose Luis Castillo, Paulie Malignaggi, and Pacquiao.
His 2009 light-welterweight title clash against ‘The Pacman’ went down as one of the most devastating knockouts in boxing history after a vicious Pacquiao left hook left Hatton unconscious for a few minutes with 2:59 to go in the second round.
That bout was later adjudged as Knockout of the Year.
“We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history and I will always honor the respect and sportsmanship he showed,” said Pacquiao of the highly-popular Englishman fighter.
“Ricky fought bravely, not just in the ring, but in his journey through life. He truly had a good fight, and we are all blessed to have been part of his wonderful journey.”
Following the shattering loss to Pacquiao, Hatton went on a three-year hiatus and didn’t climb back in the ring until 2012 when he faced unheralded Yvacheslav Senchenko of Ukraine in a 10-round bout which he lost by knockout in the ninth round.
Hatton earlier this year announced a comeback fight in December in Dubai against home bet Eisa Al Dah.
“My heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Hatton family and loved ones. May he rest in peace,” added Pacquiao.
Inducted in the Hall of Fame last year, Hatton compiled a pro record of 45-3 with 32 KOs.
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