John Hedges paid tribute to Ricky Hatton by wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with images of his late trainer as he weighed in for Saturday’s fight with Pat Brown in Manchester.

Hatton, a two-weight world champion, was found dead at his Manchester home in September 2025, aged 46.

The ‘Hitman’ moved into coaching after retiring in 2012 and Hedges spent time working under Hatton and had him in his corner when he won the English cruiserweight title in May 2025.

Essex’s Hedges, 24, was booed during the weigh-in at Manchester’s New Century Hall, with the majority of those in attendance showing support for local fighter Brown.

But Hedges, who pointed to the images of Hatton on his T-shirt, insisted he was unfazed by the reaction.

“This isn’t a hostile atmosphere, this is second nature to me,” he said. “I’ve boxed at a high level as an amateur and this is what you get used to.

“Pat knows the crack, he knows where I’ve been and this is nothing new. I’m blessed to be here but this is nothing new.”

Hedges has yet to lose in 12 professional fights and faces Brown – who has a won all six of his fights by knockout – for the vacant British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles.

Saturday’s contest was initially due to take place at Planet Ice in Altrincham, but had to be upgraded to the much larger Co-op Live arena due to demand for tickets.

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn told IFL TV earlier this week he expected a crowd of around 5,000 at the event.

Brown, who represented Team GB at the 2024 Olympics, has a growing fanbase in his home city and was greeted by chants of, ‘Oh, Patrick the Bomber’, in reference to his nickname.

He has looked relaxed during previous media activities during the week but was very intense when he spoke after both fighters tipped the scales at 14st 3lb (90kg).

“This is what I was born to do,” Brown said.

“Since I was seven years old and my dad took me into the gym – this is what I was born to do.”