Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao joined the mourning for former world champion Ricky Hatton, who died at the age of 46 in Hyde, northwest England.
Hatton, who became one of the most popular British boxers of his generation, was a champion at light-welterweight and welterweight known for his aggressive, fan-friendly style.
He fought Pacquiao on May 2, 2009 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, with the “Pacman” scoring a brutal second round knockout of “The Hitman.”
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was not only a great fighter inside the ring but also a brave and kind man in life. We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history,” Pacquiao said in a statement on Sunday night.
“I will always honor the respect and sportsmanship he showed. Ricky fought bravely, not just in the ring, but in his journey through life. He truly had a good fight, and we are all blessed to have been part of his wonderful journey,” he added.
“My heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Hatton family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.”
Pacquiao and Hatton faced off as light-welterweights, with the IBO and The RING belts on the line. The bout was all Pacquiao, with the “Pacman” knocking down Hatton twice in the opening round.
He finished off the job in the second round via a heavy left hook that sent Hatton sprawling into the canvas with just a second left in the frame. The victory gave Pacquiao a world title in a sixth different weight division.
Aside from Pacquiao, Hatton also fought Kostya Tszyu and Floyd Mayweather.
Hatton was frank about the mental health problems he endured following his retirement from the ring.
In July, he announced he would make a return to boxing in a professional bout against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai in December.
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