Boxing fans across the UK are in shock after the news that Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton has died aged 46. The former world champion, known for his gutsy style, massive fanbase, and one of the last greats of British boxing in the 2000s, was found dead this morning at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester. Police say they are not treating the death as suspicious. (Reuters)
Hatton, who won world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight, was one of the sport’s biggest personalities. His greatest victory came in 2005 when he beat Kostya Tszyu to claim the IBF light-welterweight championship. He later famously went up against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao in some of the biggest fight nights of his era. (The Independent)
He retired from full-time boxing in 2012 but had remained in the public eye, not least for being open about his struggles with mental health, addiction, and his determination to make a comeback. He had announced plans to return to the ring for a fight in December 2025 in Dubai. (AP News)
A Glittering Career
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2005 World Title Triumph: Hatton’s defining night came in June 2005, when he stopped the formidable Kostya Tszyu to claim the IBF light-welterweight title at Manchester’s MEN Arena. It was one of the greatest British boxing nights in recent memory.
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Multiple World Champion: He went on to hold versions of the IBF, WBA, IBO and The Ring titles at light-welterweight, later stepping up to welterweight to beat Luis Collazo for the WBA belt.
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Superfights: Hatton fought two of the best of all time — Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas in 2007, and Manny Pacquiao in 2009. Although he lost both bouts, they cemented his place on the world stage and made him a household name beyond the UK.
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Final Years: After briefly retiring, Hatton attempted a comeback in 2012 before officially hanging up the gloves. He later trained fighters and remained an active voice in the sport. In recent years, he also bravely spoke about his mental health struggles, becoming an advocate for awareness and support.
Tributes Flood In
Promoters, fellow fighters, and fans have been quick to pay tribute. Eddie Hearn described him as “a fighter who defined an era and inspired thousands.” Tyson Fury called him “a true fighting man and a friend of every boxing fan.”
Tributes have poured in from fellow boxers, sports figures, and fans. For many, Hatton was not just a fighter, but a symbol — of working-class grit, of hometown pride, and of persevering through adversity. His personality outside the ring, as much as his feats inside it, earned him respect. (Sky Sports)
Main picture from Wikipedia
