Kostya Tszyu has expressed profound sorrow over the sudden passing of his legendary rival, Ricky Hatton. The Australian boxing icon has been reflecting with friends over the past 48 hours about the night that forever changed their lives.
Ricky Hatton, an undeniable icon of Great Britain’s boxing scene, passed away at the age of 46, sending shockwaves through the sport. Tributes have poured in from an eclectic group of stars, including Manny Pacquiao, David Beckham, Liam Gallagher, Piers Morgan, Conor McGregor, Amir Khan, Manchester City, and Jake Paul.
Remembering a Legendary Fight Night
While Hatton is being remembered for a career filled with highlights and unforgettable moments outside the ropes, his crowning achievement remains his victory over Tszyu for the IBF super lightweight title. The 2005 bout, contested in front of 22,000 raucous Manchester fans, saw Tszyu retire on his stool after 11 brutal rounds, eventually leading to his retirement from boxing altogether.
The fight is considered one of the most memorable in UK boxing history, showcasing the greatness of both fighters. Speaking with Fox Sports Australia, Kostya’s close friend Glen Jennings confirmed that the Hall of Famer, now residing in Russia, was deeply saddened by the loss of his former rival.
“Kostya and I have spoken, and he’s very, very saddened by Ricky’s passing. Ricky Hatton was such a wonderful character. Over the years, he and Kostya reconnected several times and remained good friends,” Jennings said.
A Poignant Hospital Encounter
Jennings shared a previously untold story of the two fighters reconnecting hours after their fight, as they were being wheeled past each other in a Manchester hospital corridor. “It was wonderfully poignant,” Jennings recalled. “I’ve never told this story, but Kostya was coming out of a hospital room when we started to hear singing and carrying on. And then in comes Ricky Hatton. They paused as they rolled past each other in the corridor and shook hands.”
Later that morning, Hatton and his father visited Tszyu at his hotel. Jennings described the meeting as a wonderful afternoon where both fighters, despite being marked up from the fight, showed mutual respect and admiration.
“Ricky was just being so respectful of Kostya for giving him the opportunity. Kostya, of course, was also incredibly gracious, just as he’d been in the ring afterwards,” Jennings continued.
Reflections from Ringside
Hollywood actor Russell Crowe, who developed a close friendship with Tszyu, shared his own experience backstage after the fight. Crowe was among a small group invited into the dressing room, where he witnessed the physical toll the fight had taken on Tszyu.
“I was in the dressing room holding Kostya over a bucket while he pissed blood for about 20 minutes after the fight. That made me understand what the boxing world really is,” Crowe recounted.
The fight is best remembered for Hatton’s relentless forward movement through Tszyu’s punches, despite several low blows and gritty moments. Crowe noted Hatton’s impressive physical condition and the overwhelming support from the Manchester crowd.
A Legacy Remembered
Only three years ago, Jennings crossed paths with Hatton again during a world title fight in England. Hatton, who still cherished his victory over Tszyu, described it as his defining moment in boxing.
“Even then, Ricky was still saying how that Kostya Tszyu win, it was his moment in time. He said that night in Manchester … it would always be number one for him,” Jennings recalled.
As the boxing world mourns the loss of Ricky Hatton, the memories of his legendary bout with Kostya Tszyu continue to resonate, highlighting the respect and camaraderie that can exist between fierce competitors.
