The legendary Welsh boxer Joe Calzaghe paid straightforward tribute to Ricky Hatton after the tragic passing of the Englishman. The 46-year-old was found dead in his residence in Manchester on Sunday evening, sending shock waves throughout the sports community.
Calzaghe, whose Hatton once hailed “one of the largest Great Britain”, took on Instagram to honor his memory. Two boxing legends competed at the same time, and Hatton’s career reached the summit in 2005, when he won the status of a world champion. Despite working in various weight divisions, the duo never collided in the ring, but they both carved their heritage in the history of boxing through unique careers at the highest level. Hatton’s last fight took place three years ago at an octaras meeting with Marco Antonio Barrera, without any official result.
He was to return this year in a professional competition against the inaugural professional boxer of Dubai, Eisie Al Dah. This would mean his first professional performance in 13 years. “Deeply saddened, hearing about the death of Ricky Hatton,” Calzaghe wrote. “A great master, and above all a great guy! And he will always be a master of people. Rest in peace, Master.”
Police spokesman Greater Manchester issued a statement on Sunday, confirming the discovery of the body under his speech in Hyde. “We can confirm that we found a body at Bowlacre Road at Gee Cross at 6.45 in the morning, on Sunday, September 14” – revealed the statement.
“Death is not treated as a suspicious.” The family of boxing legend Hatton issued a cordial statement after his death, describing their loss as “immeasurable”.
“It is with the hardest heart that we announce the death of our beloved son Richard,” we read. “Richard was more than a world champion. For us he was simply” Richard “, our son. A loving father, grandfather and brother, and a true friend for many. He had a heart as great as his smile, and his kindness, humor and loyalty affected everyone who was lucky to meet him.
“In the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of the biggest boxing masters – a man who gave everything in the ring and wore a heart on his sleeve outside him. He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, humility and love for this sport.
“But apart from the titles, nights to remember and roar the crowd, he remained the same mundane Richard, who never forgot where he came from.
“As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words can not really capture the pain we feel. However, among our regret we were deeply moved by overwhelming the outflow of love and support. It was a source of great consolation to see how much life Richard touched, and how widely admired and respected.
“At the moment, we kindly ask for privacy when we reconcile with life without him. In the coming days and weeks we will take strength from ourselves and the knowledge that Richard’s heritage – both in boxing and as a man – will continue to live.
“Richard’s memory will always remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans and in sport, which he loved so much. With love and gratitude, the Hatton family.”
Jaron Ennis is the bookmakers’ main favorite to defeat Xander Zayas in their highly anticipated world title clash on Saturday in Brooklyn.
Ennis challenges Zayas for the WBO and WBA super welterweight belts at the Barclays Center live on DAZN pay-per-view.
The undefeated resident of Philadelphia enters the game as the favorite on February 11 Bet365 give the 23-year-old his first professional defeat and become world champion in two weight categories.
“Boots” has stopped 31 of his 35 opponents, including Uisma Lima in his 154-pound debut in October, and is expected to stop the Puerto Rican on 20/21.
The 28-year-old last covered this distance in 2024, and a decision victory is valued at 13/2.
Zayas and Ennis face to face before the clash. Photo: Matchroom Boxing
Even though Zayas has taken over as unified champion, he is an underdog Bet365 at 15/04.
Man from San Juan defeated Abass Baraou by split decision will add the WBA belt to his WBO crown in January and his best chance of victory is rated at 13/2 by decision, while success in the shock break is rated at 14/1.
Jaron Ennis knocked out Uisma Lima in the first round in Philadelphia. Photo: Emma Brawley/Matchroom Boxing
Full Bet365 odds
The result of the fight
Xander Zayas will win the fight: 15/4
Xander Zayas by KO/TKO/DQ: 14/1
Xander Zayas by decision or technical decision: 13/2
Jaron Ennis will win the fight: 11/02
Jaron Ennis by KO/TKO/DQ: 20/21
Jaron Ennis by decision or technical: 8/5
Draw or technical draw: 14/1
Round bets
Xander Zayas
Win in round 1: 100/1
Win in round 2: 100/1
Win in round 3: 100/1
Win in round 4: 100/1
Win in round 5: 100/1
To win in round 6: 100/1
To win in round 7: 80/1
To win in round 8: 80/1
To win round 9: 66/1
To win in round 10: 66/1
To win round 11: 66/1
To win in round 12: 80/1
To win by decision or technical decision: 6/1
Zayas won by points decision over Abass Baraou. Source: Mikey Williams / top position
Jaron Ennis
To win round 1: 80/1
Win in round 2: 50/1
Win in round 3: 40/1
To win in round 4: 28/1
To win in round 5: 20/1
To win in round 6: 16/1
Win in round 7: 12/12
To win in round 8: 1/11
To win in round 9: 10/1
To win in round 10: 10/1
To win in round 11: 10/1
To win in round 12: 1/11
Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 7/4
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On Wednesday, Lewis Crocker heads to Australia to defend his IBF welterweight world title against Liam Paro for the first time.
Crocker will face Paro at the Pat Rafter Arena in Queensland, live on DAZN in the UK and Kayo Sports in Australia.
Crocker (22-0, 11 KO) became world champion in September, defeating Paddy Donovan twice before winning the rematch by split decision.
Man from Belfast recorded his second victory over Donovan after the first victory in March last year, and his rival was disqualified for hitting him after the bell.
Paro (27-1, 16 KO) is trying to become a world champion in two weight categories, having previously reigned in the super-lightweight division.
In September, Donovan was beaten a second time by Crocker. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
The 30-year-old won the title with a unanimous decision victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico before winning the belt in his first defense against Richardson Hitchins.
The Australian has since won twice, overtaking David Papot in his last appearance in September.
Paro looks like a two-time IBF champion. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom
McKean meets Taliva
Heavyweight Demsey McKean will look to continue his rebuild when he faces Liam Talivaa for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific title.
McKean (24-2, 16 KO) had his career cut miniature after a last-round loss to Filip Hrgovic, followed by a brutal first-round loss to Moses Itauma.
The 35-year-old southpaw returned to winning ways with back-to-back stoppage victories.
Talivaa (8-2, 4 KO) last won the IBF Oceania-Orient title, defeating Faiga Opelu by first-round stoppage.
Undercard remaining
At cruiserweight, Luke Modini (13-0, 11 KO) will likely need distance to beat Peng Qu (17-2-1, 12 KO), while Riley Candy (8-1, 5 KO) could stop Nathan Watson (11-3, 3 KO) at super middleweight.
Vegas Larfield (13-1, 9 KO) can hand Shamal Ram Anuj (11-8, 8 KO) his fourth defeat in a row in a featherweight clash.
Heavyweight Nelson Asofa-Solomon (2-0, 2 KO) can secure a third straight knockout over debutant George Burgess, and Stevan Ivic (8-0-1, 2 KO) can do the same against Caleb Tialu (3-7, 3 KO), also a heavyweight.
Prospective super welterweight fighter Jack Javed (1-0) should overtake Lance McDonald (1-5-1, 1 KO).
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