By Terence Dooley
Muhammad Ali’s farewell visit to the UK will see him link up with Ricky Hatton in Manchester. Ali is headlining a dinner date at Old Trafford, and will visit Hatton’s Hyde gym during his stay in the city.
Hatton will meet Ali for the first time; Ricky has told the Manchester Evening News that he is counting down the days. “I think if you asked people who their hero is the majority of them would say Muhammed Ali,” said Hatton. “I've been very fortunate with my success and I've had to have already met some of the greats, Hagler, Hearns, Leonard, Duran, but this man is the greatest. With him being so poorly, to see him, well I'm over the moon with it. Not only was he the greatest boxer he is perhaps the greatest man on the planet.”
Ali’s gym visit will be an inspiration for the young people in the immediate area, who will hope to grab a glimpse of a legend. “We don't know what we're going to do yet but he'll be well looked after, you can bet on that,” explained Hatton. “We've only been open for a couple of months and it will be a proud moment when the greatest boxer comes. Him coming to the gym is also great for my hometown. It's also great for the area and hopefully he can inspire some of the kids.”
Ali’s Old Trafford appearance takes place on August the 27th, and there will be a further treat for the aging marvel. Ali, who has spent time with comedy greats Bill Cosby and Richard Pryor in the past, will get to see Hatton’s stand-up comedy routine for the first time. “I like to think I'm a bit witty and hopefully he'll enjoy it,” said Hatton when asked about the dinner show.
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