"Why would you not what to knock him out?" - Manchester City-supporting boxer names Cristiano Ronaldo as dream opponent
Former British professional boxer Ricky Hatton has named Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo as the dream opponent that he would like to knock out. A huge Manchester City supporter, Hatton once named former Georgian midfielder Georgi Kinkladze as his favorite football player.
Cristiano Ronaldo played for the Red Devils in two different stints and is one of the club's biggest legends. As a result, the former boxer finds himself on the opposite side of the Portuguese captain.
During a recent interview with Betway, Hatton lauded Ronaldo for his personality and his looks. However, Ricky Hatton also listed the contrasting factors between him and the 39-year-old, saying:
"I'd probably have to say Cristiano Ronaldo. I've never met Cristiano. I believe he's a good lad but let's have it right. He did play for Manchester United. He's really good-looking. Why would you not want to knock him out? If you played for Manchester United - the best player in the world and he's a good-looking fella. The opposite to me."
Ricky Hatton is a former welterweight and light-welterweight world champion. He has also faced top boxing names such as Floyd Mayweather (in 2007) and Manny Pacquiao (in 2009). The former British boxer boosts a professional record of 45-3. Out of his 45 professional victories, 32 have come via knockouts.
When Sir Alex Ferguson made Cristiano Ronaldo cry in front of Manchester United teammates
Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson once reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears in front of the whole squad after the Portuguese forward got one of his hairdryer treatments.
A new documentary about the life of former Scottish manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been released on BBC iPlayer on the Boxing Day. Nevertheless, one incident from the documentary, which involves Ronaldo, has garnered the attention of the football world.
Former English defender Rio Ferdinand said about the incident (via the Mirror):
"He hadn't played well, and the manager ripped into Cristiano. 'Who do you think you are? You're coming here trying to prove to everybody who think you are? You think you're a superstar.' I remember Cristiano in tears and I was like, this manager don't care, man. He doesn't care who you are."
The Portuguese forward left the club for the first time in July 2009 and joined Real Madrid. He returned for a brief second stint between 2021 and 2022. Over the course of his two spells at Old Trafford, the 39-year-old made 346 appearances for the Red Devils, bagging 145 goals and 64 assists.
