Former world champion Ricky Hatton died at the age of 46. Nicknamed “The Hitman,” he captured world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight and became one of Britain’s most popular fighters. Early Sunday morning, officers discovered his body at his home in Manchester.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said, “A member of the public called officers to Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45 a.m. today, and they found the body of a 46-year-old man. Officers do not currently believe there are any suspicious circumstances.” Hatton fought 48 professional bouts, winning 45, and he ended his career in 2012 after fifteen remarkable years.
Hatton’s younger brother Matthew wrote on X, “I love you Richard. See you on the other side.” Meanwhile, former Manchester United and England star David Beckham said on Instagram, “Ricky was one of a kind. Just heartbreaking.” In addition, former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury added, “RIP to the legend Ricky Hatton. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this – so young.”
Manchester City fans honoured Hatton with applause and cheers before Sunday’s Premier League match against Manchester United. Furthermore, manager Pep Guardiola called him a “true champion” and “part of the Man City family.”
Former England striker, who once carried Hatton’s belts into the ring, said on X that he felt “devastated” and described him as “a legend, a warrior and a great person.”
Devastated. A legend, a warrior, and a great person. Thoughts are with all Ricky’s family 🙏 pic.twitter.com/WUzei1RuZ0
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) September 14, 2025
Similarly, Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher wrote, “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Ricky Hatton. It was an absolute honour to know him and carry his belts. RIP champ. Live forever.”
Hatton earned memorable wins over Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, yet he later lost to Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Moreover, more than 30,000 fans travelled to Las Vegas for his 2007 fight with Mayweather, and the chants of “there’s only one Ricky Hatton” still filled the MGM Grand even after defeat. Likewise, those same chants echoed again during his final professional fight in Manchester in 2012.
In July, Hatton announced a return to the ring to fight Eisa Al Dah in Dubai on 2 December. However, organisers never confirmed whether the bout would be fully sanctioned. Earlier, he attempted a comeback in 2012 and later faced Marco Antonio Barrera in a 2022 exhibition.
During that period, Hatton spoke openly about his struggles with depression and, furthermore, appeared in the 2023 documentary Hatton, where he discussed his mental health.
Manchester City also released a statement, saying, “Hatton wore sky blue shorts and used ‘Blue Moon’ as his walkout song throughout his career. Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters. He will always be remembered.”
Guardiola later described the pre-match tribute as “so emotional, so special. It will never be forgotten.” In addition, City forward Phil Foden, who dedicated his goal to Hatton, said he had “extra motivation” for the match and called him “such a down-to-earth person, lovely guy.”
Likewise, former City defender Micah Richards called him “a British icon” and “the nicest guy ever,” while Roy Keane concluded that Hatton “gave everything for that sport. He left everything in that ring.”
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