‘Why would you not want to knock him out?’ – Why Man Utd legend Cristiano Ronaldo is Man City fan Ricky Hatton’s dream boxing opponent…
Ricky Hatton, the celebrated British boxer and ardent Manchester City supporter, recently expressed a humorous desire to face football legend Cristiano Ronaldo in a boxing match.
This playful challenge stems from Ronaldo’s storied association with Manchester United, City’s fierce rivals.
Hatton’s Lighthearted Challenge
In an interview with Mighty Tips, Hatton was asked to name his dream celebrity boxing opponent. Without hesitation, he chose Ronaldo, citing the Portuguese star’s history with Manchester United and his renowned good looks as reasons for wanting to “give him a slap.”
Hatton quipped, “I’d have to catch him first, but he was certainly some player, wasn’t he?”
A Nod to Football Rivalry
Hatton’s jest is deeply rooted in the historic rivalry between Manchester City and Manchester United. Ronaldo’s two tenures at United, during which he secured multiple Premier League titles and became a fan favorite, have made him a symbol of United’s success.
For a dedicated City fan like Hatton, the idea of facing Ronaldo in the ring playfully symbolizes settling scores from the football pitch.
Ronaldo’s Brief Encounter with Boxing
Interestingly, Ronaldo has previously mentioned a fleeting consideration of pursuing boxing during his early days at Sporting Lisbon. He acknowledged the sport’s challenges, stating, “I don’t think I could have been a boxer, it’s hard… I was born to be a professional footballer.”
Hatton’s Admiration for Roberto Duran
When discussing actual boxing legends, Hatton expressed admiration for Roberto Duran, calling him his “favorite of all time.” He mused about the possibility of sharing the ring with Duran, acknowledging it would have been a “very painful night.”
A Glimpse into Hatton’s Post-Retirement Ventures
Since retiring from professional boxing, Hatton has remained active in the public eye. He participated in an exhibition bout against Marco Antonio Barrera and is set to appear on the television show “Dancing on Ice.”
Hatton humorously noted his concerns about the upcoming challenge, given his self-professed lack of dancing skills.
While the prospect of a boxing match between Ricky Hatton and Cristiano Ronaldo is purely fanciful, it underscores the playful banter that often accompanies sports rivalries.
Hatton’s comments highlight the deep-seated competition between Manchester City and Manchester United, with Ronaldo epitomizing the excellence that City fans have long sought to surpass. Such light-hearted challenges serve to entertain fans and celebrate the spirited nature of sports.
