Ricky Hatton attended Oasis’ Dublin concert just weeks before his death

Broadcaster Gordon Smart said: “Only three weeks ago reminiscing at Oasis in Dublin over a Guinness. Gone far too soon…”

Boxer Ricky Hatton, who tragically passed away at his home in Greater Manchester this weekend aged 46, shared his love for Oasis just weeks before his death.

The sad news of his death arrived only months after the fighter, fondly known as ‘The Hitman’, announced his return to the ring with a fight planned for December. Ricky described Liam and Noel Gallagher carrying out his two belts as one of the highlights of his career.

They became friends with each other, as Liam has issued a heartfelt tribute following Ricky’s death. Broadcaster Gordon Smart has now revealed that just three weeks ago, he attended Oasis’ reunion show with Ricky.

READ MORE: Ricky Hatton’s family’s emotional statement in full after boxing icon’s tragic deathREAD MORE: Carl Frampton leads tributes to Ricky Hatton as boxing world is stunned by sudden death of ‘The Hitman’

In his tribute, Gordon shared: “So many incredible memories thanks to this man. Only three weeks ago reminiscing at Oasis in Dublin over a Guinness. Gone far too soon. RIP Ricky. City did you proud today.”

Ricky had been open about his love for Oasis and Manchester City. He once stated: “Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a boxing world champion, support Man City and listen to Oasis.

“But I became a four-time world champion in two weight classes, ended up boxing at the Etihad Stadium in front of 55,000 people, and became mates with Noel and Liam Gallagher over the years”, reports the Mirror.

During Sunday’s Manchester derby between Manchester City and Manchester United, both teams wore black armbands and observed a moment’s appreciation before kick-off for Ricky.

Manager Pep Guardiola appeared visibly moved and expressed his sympathies during his pre-match interview with Sky Sports.

Liam also paid his respects as he posted: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about RICKY HATTON it was an absolute honour to know him and carry his belts RIP CHAMP LIVE FOREVER LG x.”

His beloved Manchester City also paid tribute as they said: “Hatton wore sky blue shorts and used Blue Moon as his walkout song throughout his career.

“Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters, who will always be remembered for a glittering boxing career that saw him win world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight.

“Everyone at the club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Days before his passing, Ricky travelled to Tenerife, where he was spotted singing Oasis songs in a bar.

On Sunday, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police confirmed: “We can confirm that we have found a body at an address on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross at 6.45am today, Sunday, September 14. The death is not being treated as suspicious.”

In a statement released by his family, they said the former world champion “had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.”

Ricky enjoyed a successful boxing career as he held numerous world championships, as well as UK titles and was named as Fighter of the Year back in 2015. He last fought professionally in 2012 but had been training ahead of his return to the ring, where he was due to fight Eisa Al Dah.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.