Following the heart-breaking loss of boxing icon Ricky Hatton in September 2025, the community is coming together once again to honour his memory. After a deeply moving, star-studded Mancunian send-off, the city is preparing for ‘An Evening4Ricky’—a spectacular tribute to The Hitman’s life and legacy.
Taking place on Sunday, 7th June, the event aims to celebrate Ricky with music, laughter, and shared memories, all while raising crucial funds and awareness for mental health.
What to expect at An Evening4Ricky
Fittingly hosted at the AO Arena—the legendary venue where Ricky fought 15 of his most memorable bouts—the arena floor will be transformed into a reimagined boxing ring. The event will be broadcast both in the UK and globally, allowing fans worldwide to tune in.
The tribute will be structured across 12 “rounds” of top-tier entertainment, featuring:
- Live music: Performances from some of Ricky’s favourite bands and artists.
- Sporting icons: Fellow boxing legends and sports stars sharing heartfelt tributes.
- Comedy & entertainment: Stand-up and performances from renowned entertainers.
- Immersive fan experiences: Designed to celebrate the ultimate “people’s champion.”
A star-studded guest list
A massive line-up of stars has already been confirmed, with more names to be announced in the coming weeks. The likes of Paddy McGuinness, Frank Bruno, Jason Manford, Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, Natasha Jonas, Clare Sweeney, DJ Spoony, Paulie Malignaggi, Marco Antonio Barrera, Rowetta, Steph Houghton, Tony Bellew, Michael Watson, Prince Naz, and The Ks are all confirmed to attend.
Friends and boxing colleagues including Wayne Rooney, Phil Foden, Freddie Flintoff, Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua have also been invited, so fans can expect some surprises throughout the night.
12-round schedule
Round 1 – Ricky The Man.
Reflecting on Ricky the man. From Dad, to son, brother, Uncle, friend and boxer. Tributes from family, friends, fighters and fans. To celebrate his unique sense of humour, we encourage all those attending to dress up in some of his favourite outfits. Ricky Fatton with his fat suit, Elvis, the Manchester Mexican etc – (prizes given for the best on the night). Ricky was one of us, this night is as much about the fans as it is the stars and performers, this is your chance to pay tribute too!
Round 2 – Live Music from John Newman
Round 3 – Ricky the Fighter
Ricky’s style, what made him so hard to beat? What made him a champion? Hear from elite trainers, opponents, boxers & fighters past and present who sparred, trained, fought and knew Ricky.
Round 4 – Live Music Performance from Russell Watson
Round 5 – The WBC Tribute
A surprise presentation of the new WBC belt in Ricky’s name, awarded to a current fighter who embodies his spirit: of no surrender, total honesty, ‘give it your all’ true warrior code. Presented by Marco Antonio Barrera, Campbell Hatton, Roberto ‘Hands of Stone’ Duran and a host of boxing royalty and hall-of-famers.
Round 6 – The Poem
An iconic new poem specially written & performed for this night by ‘Manchester’s Poet’ Tony Walsh, telling the story of Ricky’s life. Tony famously created ‘This is the Place’ in the wake of the Manchester bombing. He performs his poetry with heart and soul, and this will be a powerful and emotional moment in the show. This will be an incredible spine-tingling tribute and performance by a performer at the top of his game.
Round 7 – Live Music Performance from Rowetta
Round 8 – Viva Las Vegas!
Reliving the unforgettable nights, Elvis is in the building! Anecdotes from those who were with Ricky when he took over Vegas with his 30 thousand fans. This is when the world woke up to the Hatton phenomenon. Be a part of Manchester saluting Ricky’s second City, Las Vegas…expect a load of Elvis, he will be in the building. Expect surprises.
Round 9 – Live Music Performance from The Lottery Winners
Round 10 – Live Music Performance from Tine Tempah
Round 11 – Hi Ho Ricky Hatton featuring Paulie Malignaggi!
Ricky was famous for having it large in between fights, he loved life, and lived it to the full. Ricky celebrated his life with his own great sense of humour! Remember the Fat Suit and Oasis at the Malignaggi fight? Paulie Malignaggi, was at first his bitter rival but then became a close friend. He’s flying in to relive that amazing night, along with a host of famous boxers/sportspeople/entertainers. There’s also some pie eating too with some famous ‘eaters’- bringing humour, nostalgia and fan-interactions. Also featuring the England Supporters Band and Joey Blower!
Round 12 – Live Music Performance from Bugzy Malone
Then time to drink and a dance….
The Ricky Hatton All-Star DJ Mash up – Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s Manchester all-star squad of celebrity pro DJs versus Merseyside Mayor Steve Rotherham’s Liverpool crew: A one-off showdown on the decks, built for audience interaction. The fans decide who the winner of this face off will be. Who’s got the better tunes? Liverpool or Manchester? This will be one in a lifetime line-up, never going to be seen again on the same stage.
The Finale…
With artists to be revealed on the night!
Ricky’s son and co-founder of the Ricky Hatton Foundation, Campbell Hatton, shared his excitement for the tribute: “This night means everything to our family. My dad gave so much to the fans and to Manchester, and this is about bringing everyone together to celebrate his legacy. It’s going to be emotional, but also full of energy, laughter, and great memories.”
Campbell also noted that his father’s deep love for music will be heavily featured, alongside a brand-new poem dedicated to Ricky, performed centre-ring by acclaimed Manchester poet Tony Walsh.
The Ricky Hatton Foundation & future plans
All proceeds from the evening will support the official launch of The Ricky Hatton Foundation, alongside other local and national mental health charities dedicated to wellbeing and support.
The tributes won’t stop there. Plans are already in motion with Legends SG for ‘Game4Ricky’, a globally broadcast celebrity football match scheduled for this autumn.
How to get tickets
To ensure the event remains accessible to the everyday fans who supported Ricky throughout his legendary career, tickets start at just £25. Any remaining tickets are available here.
