Hatton tribute interrupted as Hearn clashes with Eubank Jr at London press conference amid Hatton’s death
At a London press conference ahead of the Benn–Eubank rematch, promoter Eddie Hearn’s tribute to Ricky Hatton was interrupted by Chris Eubank Jr as boxing mourns the former champion, who died at 46 police say not suspicious.
Ricky Hatton, the former world champion whose popularity helped propel British boxing, died at age 46. Police said Hatton’s death, discovered Sunday morning at his home in Hyde, Manchester, is not being treated as suspicious. Hatton had been earmarked for a December comeback and was due to fly to Dubai on Monday to sign a contract for a bout with Eisa Al Dah. The news cast a pall over a sport already wrestling with loss this week and underscored Hatton’s enduring legacy in Britain’s boxing culture.
At a London press conference on Wednesday, held to preview the rematch between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn on Nov. 15 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Hearn tried to pay tribute to Hatton with a brief tribute at the start of his remarks. Eubank Jr interrupted, saying, “Come on Eddie, there’s no 30 seconds. You know the drill.” The moment sparked a heated exchange in front of reporters, highlighting the fractious nature of the sport’s current landscape. Benn wore a Manchester City shirt in memory of Hatton during the event. ![Hatton tribute montage](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/09/17/20/102229039-0-image-a-8_1758137774288.jpg