Manny Pacquiao Mourns the Loss of Former Rival Ricky Hatton

Manny Pacquiao, the revered boxing icon and Hall of Famer, conveyed his deep sadness following the passing of former opponent and fellow boxing star Ricky Hatton, who died at 46 on Sunday.\n\nIn a heartfelt statement, Pacquiao described Hatton as not only an exceptional boxer but also a courageous and compassionate individual. "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," he said.\n\nReflecting on their memorable encounters, Pacquiao added, "We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history, and I will always honor the respect and sportsmanship he showed."\n\nHighlighting Hatton's tenacity beyond the sport, the eight-division world champion remarked, "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."\n\nPacquiao extended his condolences to Hatton's family, saying, "My heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Hatton family and loved ones. May he rest in peace."\n\nThe two fighters famously clashed in 2009 during the bout known as "The Battle of East and West," where Pacquiao secured a swift second-round knockout to claim the light welterweight title. This win elevated Pacquiao to a six-division world champion, a milestone on his path to becoming boxing's only eight-division champion.\n\nRicky Hatton retired in 2012, finishing his career with an impressive record of 45 wins, including 32 knockouts, out of 48 fights.