A statue in memory of retired legend Ricky Hatton will be created in his hometown.
The former world champion died at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14, 2025, aged 46.
After his death, more than ten thousand people signed an online petition calling for a statue in his honor.
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Councilors unanimously approved the advocate’s proposal, commissioning Tameside Council to undertake the project, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
At a recent meeting, Allan Hopwood, leader of the local Reform group, called for it to be built in the center of the town, either Hyde or Hattersley, where Hatton spent most of his life.
He said: “Some people in this room already know, but today, October 6, would have been Ricky Hatton’s 48th birthday.”
“Ricky was a proud son of Thames whose achievements in boxing and the fighting community inspired many people, young and old, across Thames and far beyond.
Tributes have been paid from around the sports world after Hatton died on September 14 last year [PA Media]
“I knew Ricky personally and I used to be in the same venue with him when he was in school. I knew he was special then and I watched him for years.”
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He said the project would be funded through donations and would not cost the town a penny.
The community also participated in designing the statue, he said.
However, the labor-led movement to change the inclusion of another Hyde athlete, marathon runner Ron Hill, failed.
Council leader Aleonor Testamenta said that changes were made to see the state for both athletes in a strategic plan, so that they could ensure that the projects were properly funded.
But he disagrees with the councilors with the addition. Councilor Ged Cooney called the plan “necessary.”
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An amendment to the original motion failed but the original motion was approved.
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