Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton has been found dead at his home in Hyde at the age of 46. Greater Manchester Police confirmed they are not treating his death as suspicious.
Hatton, nicknamed “The Hitman”, was one of Britain’s most celebrated fighters, winning multiple world titles during a career that began in 1997 and ended with his retirement in 2012. He later spoke candidly about his battles with depression and alcohol.
The Stockport-born boxer had been preparing for his first bout in 13 years, an exhibition fight in Dubai scheduled for December and had recently posted videos of himself training.
Fellow former world champion Amir Khan described Hatton as “one of Britain’s greatest boxers” and a friend, mentor and “a warrior”. Khan added: “Sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind. Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. We must talk about it, reach out, and lean on each other.”
Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury paid tribute on social media, writing: “RIP to the legend @rickyhatton. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this so young.”
BBC boxing pundit Steve Bunce called the news “unbelievably shocking”, saying Hatton had seemed “in a really good place”. He revealed that Hatton had missed a planned gym session on Friday and failed to attend a boxing match he was due at later that day.
At Sunday’s Manchester derby, fans of both City and United held a minute’s appreciation for Hatton. Manchester City, the club he supported, described him as “an icon of British boxing” and “one of the most compelling personalities the sport has ever produced”. The club noted his trademark sky blue shorts and walkout song, Blue Moon, and sent condolences to his family and friends. Manchester United also offered “heartfelt condolences to Ricky’s loved ones on the loss of a legend of our city”.
City midfielder Phil Foden said the players were determined to honour Hatton: “I’m sure he would have been here today supporting us. Today is for him.”
The Ring magazine said it was “deeply saddened” by the news, while IFL TV called Hatton “a legend of a man inside and outside the ring”.
Hatton’s career highlights included world title victories over Kostya Tszyu in 2005 and Jose Luis Castillo in 2007. He retired with a record of 45 wins from 48 fights, his only defeats coming against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
Floral tributes and messages were left outside his home, known as The Heartbreak. One card read: “Devastated is the only thing that comes to mind. Thank you for being the beautiful soul you are.”
Long-time friend Stephen Billing, who shared Hatton’s struggles with alcoholism, said: “He was hard as nails, but not in a bad way. A proper local lad, down to earth. You wouldn’t think he was a professional boxer with millions of pounds.”
