Ricky Hatton dies at 46, leaving the boxing world and millions of fans in mourning. The beloved former world champion was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday morning, 14 September 2025. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that Hatton’s death is not being treated as suspicious, saying:
“Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45 a.m. today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”
The news shocked the sports community, as Hatton — affectionately known as “The Hitman” — was expected to make a boxing comeback in December. He was one of Britain’s most popular fighters of the modern era, known for his relentless fighting style, passionate fan base, and charismatic personality inside and outside the ring.
Early Life and Rise to Boxing Fame
Ricky Hatton was born on 6 October 1978 in Stockport, Greater Manchester. Growing up in the Hattersley council estate, Hatton developed a love for boxing at an early age. He joined the Sale West ABC gym and quickly earned a reputation as a hard-working, fearless young fighter with exceptional talent.
Hatton turned professional in 1997 at the age of 18 and immediately impressed boxing fans with his aggressive style, strong body punches, and relentless pressure. His fan-friendly approach to the sport made him a favorite not just in Manchester but across the UK.
By the early 2000s, Hatton was rapidly climbing the ranks in the light-welterweight division, building an undefeated record and gaining a loyal following who would travel in massive numbers to see him fight — both domestically and abroad.
World Title Glory
Hatton’s defining moment came on 4 June 2005, when he faced Australian champion Kostya Tszyu at the Manchester Evening News Arena for the IBF light-welterweight title. In one of the greatest nights in British boxing history, Hatton overwhelmed Tszyu with his relentless pace and forced him to retire after 11 rounds.
The victory made Ricky Hatton a world champion and elevated him to superstardom. From that point on, he became a household name in the UK, admired for his working-class roots, down-to-earth personality, and thrilling fights.
Fights Against the Greats
Hatton successfully defended his title multiple times before moving up to welterweight, where he captured the WBA title by defeating Luis Collazo in 2006. His move to welterweight set up a mega-fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in December 2007 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Although Hatton lost via 10th-round stoppage, the fight was a massive event, drawing tens of thousands of British fans to Las Vegas and millions more on pay-per-view. His fans famously sang “Blue Moon” before and after the bout, turning the Vegas arena into a sea of Manchester pride.
Hatton later returned to light-welterweight and captured more titles before eventually facing Manny Pacquiao in 2009 in another super fight. Unfortunately, Pacquiao knocked him out in the second round with one of the most devastating left hooks in boxing history.
Style and Legacy in the Ring
Known as “The Hitman,” Hatton’s fighting style was all-action. He applied constant pressure, cut off the ring, and targeted opponents’ bodies with vicious left hooks. His relentless pace wore down many opponents and made him one of the most entertaining boxers of his era.
Hatton retired with a professional record of 45 wins (32 by knockout) and just 3 losses — two of which came against all-time greats Mayweather and Pacquiao. His record includes wins over top fighters like Jose Luis Castillo, Paulie Malignaggi, Juan Urango, and Vince Phillips.
Life Outside the Ring
Outside the ring, Hatton was known for his humor, humility, and accessibility. He famously enjoyed living like an ordinary Mancunian between fights, openly discussing his struggles with weight fluctuations, mental health, and depression.
In later years, Hatton became a trainer and promoter, working with young fighters and helping grow British boxing at the grassroots level. He was also candid about his mental health battles, becoming an advocate for mental wellness in sports and inspiring many athletes to seek help when struggling.
Recent Plans and Comeback
Hatton had been preparing for an exhibition bout scheduled for December 2025, following a successful comeback exhibition against Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022 that thrilled fans. Many were looking forward to seeing him back in the ring once again, this time for the love of the sport rather than titles.
Tributes Pour In for Ricky Hatton
Following the news that Ricky Hatton has died at 46, tributes began flooding in from across the boxing and sporting world. Promoter Eddie Hearn tweeted:
“Ricky Hatton was a national treasure — a fighter who gave us unforgettable nights and brought British boxing fans together like no other. RIP Champ.”
Former opponent Floyd Mayweather Jr. also posted a message on social media, saying:
“Ricky was a true warrior and a great man. Our fight was one of the most memorable nights of my career. My thoughts are with his family.”
Boxing fans worldwide have been sharing memories of Hatton’s fights and singing “Blue Moon” in tribute — a song synonymous with his ring walks and Manchester roots.
A Lasting Impact on British Boxing
Hatton’s legacy extends far beyond his titles. He inspired a new generation of British fighters, including Tyson Fury, who often credits Hatton for motivating him in the early stages of his career. He proved that a working-class kid from Manchester could become a global superstar through grit, determination, and heart.
For many fans, Ricky Hatton represented the best of boxing: courage, entertainment, and connection with the people. His passing marks the end of an era, but his impact on the sport will continue to be felt for decades to come.
Source: Sky Sports
