Manny Pacquiao saddened by Ricky Hatton’s passing: ‘He truly had a good fight’

Boxing Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao expressed sadness over the passing of former opponent and fellow boxing great Ricky Hatton, who died on Sunday at the age of 46.

“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,” Pacquiao said in a statement.

“We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history, and I will always honor the respect and sportsmanship he showed.”

Pacquiao added that Hatton’s courage extended beyond boxing.

“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,” the eight-division world champion said.

“My heartfelt prayers and condolences to the Hatton family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.”

Pacquiao and Hatton famously faced off in 2009 in the bout dubbed “The Battle of East and West,” where the former had a second-round knockout to win the light welterweight title.

The victory made Pacquiao a six-division world champion at the time, before he eventually became boxing's only eight-division champion.

Before retiring in 2012, Hatton compiled an impressive record of 45 wins (32 by knockout) in 48 fights.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News