Ricky Hatton statue planned for boxer's hometown

A statue will be created in memory of boxing legend Ricky Hatton in his hometown.

The former world champion died at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on 14 September 2025, at the age of 46.

Following his death, more than 9,000 people signed an online petition calling for a statue in his honour.

Councillors have unanimously approved a motion backing the proposal, committing Tameside Council to 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 either Hyde town centre or Hattersley, where Hatton spent most of his childhood.

He said: "Some people in this chamber may already know, but today, October 6, would have been Ricky Hatton's 48th birthday.

"Ricky was a proud son of Tameside whose achievements in boxing and community engagement have inspired many people, young and old, across Tameside and far beyond.

"I knew Ricky personally and I boxed with him at the same venue when he was a schoolboy. I knew he was special then and I've watched him over the years."

He said the project would be funded through donations and would not cost the town hall a penny.

The community would also be involved in designing the statue, he said.

However, a Labour-led attempt to change the motion to include another Hyde athlete, marathon runner Ron Hill, failed.

Council leader Eleanor Wills said the changes would see the statues for both athletes brought into a strategic plan so they could ensure the projects were properly funded.

But opposition councillors disagreed with the addition. Councillor Ged Cooney called the grouping of statues into one project "unnecessary".

The Labour amendment to the original motion failed but the original motion was approved.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.