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The tragic death of Ricky Hatton sent shockwaves around the boxing and sports world when the news broke in September that the British legend had passed away at just 46 years of age. A month on, the loss of such an iconic figure has left many touched, with an outpouring of tributes that followed in the days and weeks after such shocking reports emerged, but it was not just his all-action boxing that garnered the Brit such popularity. It's true, Hatton was an entertainer who backed it up by winning the world title at super lightweight against favourite Kostya Tszyu in June 2005 before going on to fight legendary names in Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Though it was Hatton's down-to-earth nature and character that inspired so many, with Kell Brook one of those people. The former welterweight champion left a moving message on social media following the news of Hatton's death, noting he "needed a day to digest the heartbreaking news" and "this hits me hard because I felt a real connection and understanding of Ricky." Ricky Hatton's Replacement in Boxing Event Hatton was scheduled to make his boxing return after 13 years out of the ring to face Eisa Al Dah in December, with the event touted as 'Destiny in the Desert', but the upsetting news of his death saw its cancellation. Brook, in fact, was initially adamant that he was done with his boxing career after finally defeating his long-time rival Amir Khan in 2022, after which he announced his retirement from the sport, though, the opportunity to honour and replace Hatton in a tribute event is set to see him lace up the gloves once more in February. The event, which takes place in Dubai, has been rescheduled for the 13th of February, with Brook stepping back into the ring for the first time in four years, while the greater focus of the evening will be tributed to Hatton, and a celebration of his life and career. Nicknamed 'The Hitman', Hatton was known to be a terrific personality in sport, though, his struggles with mental health became well documented when he spoke about his battles in a Sky documentary back in 2023. Since his death, The Ricky Hatton Foundation was established to help those struggling with mental health issues, and shed a light on the problems even those seemingly with the most success can encounter away from the bright lights. The Foundation will be subject of heavy support on the 13th of February, with tributes and remembrance of Hatton set to live on.
