Ricky Hatton asks to be remembered as one of the lads: his last interview.

According to The Sun: The legendary British boxer Ricky Hatton expressed his wish to be remembered as 'one of the lads' just four days before his death.

The 46-year-old boxer was found dead in his home on the morning of September 14.

Ricky Hatton gave a touching interview just days before his death at the age of only 46 The Manchester legend opened up sincerely and shared how he wanted to be remembered Darren Barker met the Manchester hero in his gym and deeply discussed his outstanding career and legacy

This interview with former middleweight champion Darren Barker, recorded on September 9, became the last one.

In a moving 90-minute podcast, the boxer shared impressive stories about his journey in professional boxing, as well as his experiences with failed attempts to become a carpet layer and salesman.

He noted that the popularity he gained, similar to that of Frank Bruno, was more important to him than any titles or money.

“I am so proud when people say 'our Frank' and 'our Ricky'.

“I'm not saying we were the best, but we were probably the two most loved.”

“I was a man of the people, a lad from the local neighborhood who didn't care what others thought and spoke as it is.”

“The best thing that happened after my retirement is the love I received from fans.”

“People remember me as a great fighter, but also as one of the lads.”

Hatton struggled with depression and addiction issues after losing to Floyd Mayweather in 2007 and after a brutal defeat to Manny Pacquiao in 2009.

However, he could always walk into any local pub or football stadium and receive a warm welcome, without needing to pay for a pint.

This unwavering attitude towards life distinguished him from many sports and showbiz stars, and even after victories in title fights, such as the one against Kostya Tszyu in 2005, he remained true to himself.

That’s how he will remain in the memory of many, and he would never trade it for anything else.

“I would rather be Ricky Hatton than the greatest of all time but for everyone to think I’m a d***head.”

Ricky Hatton

Hatton's Farewell Words

Hatton also sent a video message to a 10-year-old boy who was being bullied, encouraging him to stay strong.

This was a typical act of the former world champion in the super lightweight and welterweight categories, who always cared for others.

He told Darren Barker: “Look at the positive things I’ve been able to do and inspire others.”

“I reached out to someone for help, and that’s my current work – a coach, and I want to pass on knowledge; if I can pass on at least half of what I learned from boxing.”

“Some of my boxers say they have cleared mortgages and thank me; that means everything to me.”

“If I can talk to someone about mental health and tell them not to hold it in.”

“I get letters from people I’ve helped or inspired, and that helps me because I feel good that I was able to help others.”

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“Even with all the achievements I gained from boxing, I still walk to my local pub, play darts on Monday nights, and play football for veterans on Sunday afternoons.”

“My friends are the same ones I went to school with; always the same ones.”

“Life has changed for me, but I’ve remained myself.”

“I think that’s the reason for my popularity.”

“Even kids who have never seen me in real life approach me and ask for a selfie, having only seen me on YouTube.”

“The love that fans give me because I’m just as I am.”

“People remember me as a great fighter, but also as one of the lads.”

Ricky Hatton