George Pyke

What incredibly sad news about the death of Ricky Hatton. He had phenomenal talent and gave boxing fans so many memorable nights. The kid from a council estate reached the summit of his sport taking on the best of the best and being followed around the world by his army of supporters. Just a few days after one of his title fights he invited us round to do an interview at his house. He opened the door - with a black eye and split lip - warmly welcomed us in and proceeded to make the entire crew a cuppa as we sat around the kitchen table. He was always so honest about his struggles with his mental health. I remember doing a prison visit with him years ago and he spoke passionately about how to deal with some of the things that life throws at you. One inmate asked him how he dealt with his demons and I will never forget Ricky saying “Every day is a fight and I know I have to work hard to make sure that, even if I get knocked down, I finish the day with my hand in the air”. The Hitman was the ultimate man of the people and he will be greatly missed 💙