MANCHESTER City and Manchester United meet for a huge derby this afternoon.
And both sets of players will pay tribute to the late Ricky Hatton by wearing black armbands during the Premier League fixture.
Why are Man City and Man Utd wearing black armbands?
Man City and Man Utd will hold a minute’s applause ahead of today’s Manchester derby in appreciation of lifelong City fan Ricky Hatton, who has died aged 46.
The former world champion boxer was found dead in his home in Manchester this morning.
Greater Manchester Police said: “We can confirm that we have found a body at an address in Gee Cross at 6.45am today, Sunday, September 14. The death is not being treated as suspicious.”
Both sets of players are wearing black armbands in memory of Hatton this afternoon.
The sporting icon is one of Britain’s greatest ever boxers, winning four world titles during his illustrious career.
City released the following statement regarding Hatton’s death ahead of kick-off: “Manchester City are devastated to learn of the sad passing of City fan and boxing legend Ricky Hatton, aged 46.
“Hatton, an icon of British boxing, won world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight, and was viewed by many as one of the most compelling personalities the sport has ever produced.
“He won 45 of his 48 professional bouts across an outstanding 15-year career in the ring, which included famous world title wins over Russia’s Kostya Tszyu and Mexico’s Jose Luis Castillo.
“Known as ‘The Hitman’, Hatton was famous for bringing huge numbers of fans to Las Vegas for his fights, most notably his 2007 bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr., where more than 30,000 travelled from the UK to watch him at the MGM Grand.
“Few, if any, British boxers can claim to have garnered such a dedicated fanbase. His audience were captivated by his relentless, front-foot boxing style and felt a deep connection to the humble, down-to-earth human being he had always been.
“It was the realisation of a lifetime ambition for Ricky. A scholar of boxing, he had always dreamed of making the Las Vegas strip his own – and he did so in some style.
“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.
“Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters. He will always be remembered.
“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.”
Read the full article here