Pacquiao saddened by Hatton loss of life: ‘We shared unforgettable moments’

Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton locked horns in 2009 in a bout that outlined each of their careers

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao mourned the loss of life of British boxer Ricky Hatton because the Filipino boxing icon remembered his former opponent not only for being a competitor but in addition a “courageous and sort man in life.”

Hatton, 46, was discovered useless at his residence in Hyde, Larger Manchester on Sunday, September 14.

“I’m deeply saddened to listen to in regards to the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was not solely a terrific fighter contained in the ring but in addition a courageous and sort man in life,” Pacquiao wrote on his social media accounts.

“My prayers and deepest condolences exit to the Hatton household and all his family members. Could the Lord offer you energy and luxury on this tough time. Could he relaxation in peace.”

Pacquiao and Hatton locked horns in Could 2009 in a bout that outlined each of their careers.

Preventing within the gentle welterweight division for the primary time, Pacquiao delivered one of the iconic knockouts in boxing historical past as he caught Hatton with a superbly timed left hook that ended the combat within the second spherical.

Pacquiao wrested the Worldwide Boxing Group and The Ring titles from Hatton, then went on to beat Miguel Cotto at welterweight and Antonio Margarito at tremendous welterweight inside the subsequent 1 1/2 12 months as he grew to become the primary and solely boxer to win world titles in eight totally different weight courses.

Whereas that bout additional propelled Pacquiao to stardom, it took a terrific toll on Hatton.

Hatton fell into melancholy and resorted to consuming and taking medicine after dropping to Pacquiao, admitting that he thought of suicide.

It took over three years earlier than “The Hitman” fought once more as he returned to the ring in November 2012, falling prey to Ukraine’s Vyacheslav Senchenko by way of a ninth-round knockout in what proved to be his ultimate combat.

Hatton completed his profession with a 45-3 report (32 knockouts).

“We shared unforgettable moments in boxing historical past and I’ll at all times honor the respect and sportsmanship he confirmed,” stated Pacquiao.

“Ricky fought bravely, not simply within the ring, however in his journey by way of life. He really had combat and we’re all blessed to have been a part of his great journey.”

Hatton was supposed to come back out of retirement and make a boxing comeback in December in opposition to UAE’s Eisa Al Dah in Dubai. – Rappler.com