The boxing superstar loved as a true man of the people

Ricky Hatton was adored by a passionate and boisterous fanbase for his all-action style and down-to-earth demeanour

- MARK STANIFORTH

From the social club of the Sale chemical works, where he first laced on the gloves, to the swirling glamour of the Las Vegas Strip, Ricky Hatton took his journey to the top of the boxing world in his stride.

With thousands of boisterous supporters trailing in his wake, Hatton called out and took on the greatest fighters of his generation, earning global acclaim for his all-action style and down-to-earth demeanour.

Barring a few deviations for pints of Guinness, Hatton's rise was as straightforward as it was enthralling – just a kid who fulfilled his dream of conquering the world while resolutely refusing to stray too far from home.

He sold out the MEN Arena on a series of unforgettable nights that culminated in his breakthrough IBF light-welterweight title win over defending champion Kostya Tszyu, the great Australian who had won all 39 of his previous professional fights but ended the evening retiring on his stool.