Tributes have poured in for legendary British boxer Ricky Hatton following the desperately sad news of the former world champion’s death at the age of 46 on Sunday
Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton was found dead at his home aged 46 on Sunday. The Hitman, who had fought a series of mental health battles, had been planning a return to the ring.
Friends said they had not seen the father-of-three recently and had been concerned about him. The Hitman was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, after friends grew worried that he had missed attending a fight and a planned gym session.
There was a minute’s applause at the Manchester derby yesterday as Hatton’s face was shown on the giant screen. He had been expected to watch his beloved Manchester City play their fierce United rivals.
It still remained unclear how Hatton – who grew up in a pub on the Hattersley council estate – died but police said there were no suspicious circumstances. They said officers attended his home at 6.45am yesterday after a call from the public.
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His former promoter Kellie Maloney told the Mirror : “It’s a big loss for the boxing world and he’s gone but will really never be forgotten.”
The former light welterweight and welterweight world champion, who was awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2007, had often spoken of his struggles with mental health and drug addiction. Stockport-born Hatton had missed meetings with his closest friends in recent weeks, leading to concerns for his welfare.
One source close to the star said: “He had not shown up for a couple of gatherings and had been very distant. He seemed a bit down and that led to his friends being worried about him.”
As news of the fighter’s death broke, fellow ring star Tyson Fury said simply: “There will only be one Ricky Hatton.” Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen said: “RIP Ricky Hatton. What a guy. And what a fighter. Incredibly sad news.”
Radio 2 host Paddy McGuinness was shocked and upset as he shared the news with listeners. He said: “Apologies everyone just had to play a couple of songs back to back there. I’ve just learned this terrible news that… a great mate of mine has passed away, Ricky Hatton.”
Paddy then took a long pause. “Sending love and thoughts are with his family,” he exhaled deeply, fighting tears. “God. Ricky mate, wherever you are, this is for you…” Paddy then played Frank Sinatra’s song Blue Moon – the Man City anthem.
Fans went to Hatton’s house to leave messages and flowers, with some driving more than 50 miles to pay their respects.
Only days ago, Hatton had posted videos of himself working out in the gym in preparation for his comeback fight. Hatton had announced his return to boxing during the summer, with a fight with United Arab Emirates’ Eisa Al Dah in a middleweight bout scheduled for December. When he announced his comeback, ex-girlfriend and former Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney shared a video of the announcement, writing alongside it: “This is brilliant.”
Hatton had been vocal about his personal struggles with mental health and drug and alcohol addiction, and had tried to help others too. He told Radio 4 earlier this year: “I used to go to the pub, come back and sit there in the dark crying hysterically.”
Hatton said his life took a dark turn after losing to Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2007. He retired in 2012, having won 45 of his 48 professional fights during a glittering career, and was open about the need for boxers to get more help after hanging up their gloves.
Hatton became an ambassador for the charity Campaign Against Living Miserably in 2023. He said: “If a boxer can come out and say they’re struggling and crying every day, it’s going to make a huge difference. Having gone through it, I now see it as my job to help those suffering with mental health.”
He took part in the 2024 series of Dancing on Ice, paired with pro skater Robin Johnstone. He had one son, Campbell, who retired from boxing at 24 to become a solar panel installer in July, and two daughters, Millie and Fearne.
Promoter Maloney added: “I got a call from a friend this morning who told me, and I said, ‘Are you sure?’ Then all my social media went mad.
“I can’t believe it. I haven’t seen Ricky for ages, I’ve taken myself away from the boxing world and haven’t stayed in touch with many people, but Ricky was always one of the genuine ones. I always had a lot of respect for him. I knew about his struggles and noticed it towards the end of his career.
“I promoted his 2008 fight against Juan Lazcano at the Etihad Stadium, which he was so happy to do because he always wanted to fight at his favourite football ground. He won, but he wasn’t the Ricky of time past, I could tell there was something different.
“I spent 10 days in the lead up to the fight with him and his dad and it was great, they stuck to every word and were lovely to work with. This will be devastating for his family, even though they argued over the years and, like all families, they had their ups and downs.
“They were really close at times as well as the arguments. It’s a big loss for the boxing world and he’s gone but will really never be forgotten. It’s really, really sad that he was such a great icon to the British boxing community and to the public, yet when he needed help, there didn’t seem to be anyone there to help him.”
During an esteemed 15-year career, Hatton earned notable world title wins over Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, before defeats by Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
Hatton inspired a devoted following. More than 30,000 fans travelled to Las Vegas for Hatton’s title fight with Mayweather in 2007. He also won admirers from stars of other sports. Former Man City defender and football pundit Micah Richards said: “He was such a British icon, a true Man City fan, but most importantly a man of the people.
“He was the nicest guy ever. I remember going to one of his gyms and I was a bit nervous because I didn’t know about boxing. He said ‘just do this’ and took his time. He took the time and effort with me. I’ve been multiple times for beers with him just talking about football and life.”
Boxing News magazine said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing royalty Ricky Hatton. A relentless pressure fighter and spiteful body puncher in the ring,”
Hatton was known for his charisma and down-to-earth character. His local football club Hyde United FC said in a tribute: “He was a local and boxing legend who always championed local sport and brought joy into so many lives.
“A huge, committed figure who gave dedicated time back to the community.”