News – Hatton meets Ali

By Nate Anderson: A slightly chunky looking Ricky Hatton met the great Muhammad Ali earlier today at Hatton’s gym in Manchester, England. There were swarms of fans of both Ali and Hatton that came over to witness the event and get a glimpse of Ali. As soon as the sixty-seven-year-old Ali emerged out of his vehicle, Hatton gave him a brief hug of affection. Ali shook noticeably and looked weak as he walked with the help of his wife at his side.

Hatton said, “I think he was going to come in a wheelchair initially but then he said I can’t have Ricky Hatton meet me in a wheelchair, I’ve got to walk in.” Hatton was touched that Ali chose to visit him at his gym.

Ali retired in 1981 after a 21-year pro boxing career. Ali got the most of his career, winning three heavyweight world titles including a Gold Medal in the 1960 Olympics, and was 39-years-old at the time of his retirement from boxing.

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