"I couldn’t believe it when he asked me... I was about to train my childhood boxing hero."

Those are the words of Ricky Hatton's close friend and former trainer as he paid tribute to the late world champion and recalled the special moment he was asked to train him for his comeback bout in 2022.

Former boxer Blain Younis, who works as a trainer at Hatton's gym in Hyde , took to social media to describe the moment following The Hitman’s tragic death at the weekend.

Blain was in The Hitman's corner for his exhibition fight against Marco Antonio Barrera and says meeting his hero had a 'massive impact' on his life and left him with 'memories that I will cherish forever'.

Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here

Blain said in a

See Full Page