Ricky Hatton was a top-class guy as video to boy, | Boxing News

Ricky Hatton despatched a heartfelt message to a schoolboy just days before he died, encouraging the teen to ‘keep your chin up’. Tributes have been pouring in after Hatton, one of the most beloved fighters of his period, was found useless at the age of 46. The former champion was discovered at his residence on Sunday morning. Greater Manchester Police confirmed they aren’t treating the death as suspicious.

The ‘Hitman’, whose last skilled bout was in 2012, had been making ready for his comeback to the boxing ring in December. Hatton was also scheduled to attend the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium, home of his cherished Manchester City, on Sunday. The boxer was adored by numerous followers and his compassionate nature was just lately demonstrated, mere days before his passing, when the boxing legend despatched a message to mum Sally after her son Louie was focused by merciless bullies at college.

Sally contacted Hatton and 10-year-old Louie was left amazed when the four-time world champion replied with a personal video message last Wednesday.

In the 30-second clip despatched to The Sun, he tells the teen that stepping into the ring would increase his confidence and defeat the bullies. Hatton provided the boy, an aspiring fighter himself, priceless steering.

“I believe you’ve been having a tough time at school by a couple of bullies,” he started. “Don’t worry about it my mate, that’s nothing new. Even I had a bully when I was at school.

“But you have finished the fitting factor taking up the boxing, not so you will get your own back on him and beat him up, but boxing offers you confidence, does not it? And the minute these bullies see you have received a little bit of confidence, they’re going to go away you alone.

“So I think you’ve done the right thing mate. Keep your chin up, and I wish you all the best with the boxing. Good luck, son.”

Sally subsequently shared the footage on social media. Shortly after his passing, she revealed the touching video can be ‘treasured eternally’.

She uploaded a clip to her social media account on Sunday where the clearly emotional mum struggled to maintain back tears.

“It’s amazing that Ricky sent this to us when he was clearly so low himself,” she said. “It showed how kind he was, and it meant a lot to me and my son. It is something we will treasure.”

Ricky Hatton, arguably the most beloved British boxer of all time, was recognized for his fervent fanbase who would journey in their hundreds across the globe to watch him take on boxing greats such as Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

His illustrious profession noticed him maintain a number of world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight, with his first style of global success coming from his victory over Kosta Tszyu on home turf in 2005.

The boxing icon had been open about his struggles with mental health and habit. The news of his passing despatched shockwaves through the sporting world, with many fast to honour this charismatic determine in boxing.

British boxing legend Amir Khan wrote on social media: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.

“As fighters, we inform ourselves we’re strong. We practice, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the toughest battle occurs in silence, in the thoughts.

“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, thanks for every thing. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, displaying us what’s attainable.

“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. Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”