British boxing legend Ricky Hatton has died at 46. As per a report in the Independent, Police said they discovered his body Saturday morning at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, and confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious.
BBC reported that Officers responded to a call at 6:45 a.m. on Bowlacre Road, where they found the former world champion. A police cordon was set up around the property as news of Hattonâs death spread, sending shockwaves through the boxing world. Tributes quickly poured in from fans and fellow fighters.
Champion Career That Defined British Boxing
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)Born in Stockport, Hatton became one of Britainâs most beloved fighters. He first rose to world champion status in 2005, when he stunned Kosta Tszyu at the MEN Arena in Manchester.
Over his career, Hatton held multiple world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight (as reported by Sky Sports). He fought on the biggest stages, facing boxing greats Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
Although he lost both matchups, Hattonâs fearless style and loyal fanbase cemented his legacy. Thousands of supporters traveled across the world to watch him fight.
Known for his grit and approachable personality, Hatton became a hero for British sports fans. He retired after a knockout loss to Pacquiao but briefly returned in 2012 against Vyacheslav Senchenko. In 2022, he also took part in a non-scoring exhibition with Marco Antonio Barrera.
Tributes From Tyson Fury, Amir Khan & Boxing World
Amir Khan honored his friend with a heartfelt statement: âToday we lost not only one of Britainâs greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton. As fighters, we tell ourselves weâre strong. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind. Mental health isnât weakness. Itâs part of being human. Rest well, Ricky. Youâll always have your place in the ring of our memories.â
Tyson Fury also posted a tribute on Instagram: âRip to the legend Ricky Hatton may he rip. There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton. Canât believe this so young.â
Chris Eubank Jr. wrote, âRest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you,â while promoter Turki Al-Sheikh added: âI am saddened by the tragic news of Ricky Hattonâs passing at the young age of 46. He was a great fighter and a legend in British boxing.â
Matchroom Boxing shared:
âWe are saddened to hear the news of Ricky Hattonâs passing. Our thoughts and condolences are with Rickyâs friends and family at this tragic time. Thereâs only one Ricky Hatton.â
Family, Legacy & Struggles Beyond the Ring
Hatton is survived by his son Campbell, 24, who followed in his footsteps with a professional boxing career before retiring earlier this year with a 14-2 record.
Despite his success, Hatton was open about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse (as reported by BBC). He also spoke about the struggles in an interview with ITV news.
His candor about those battles endeared him even more to fans who admired his honesty outside the ring.
The former world champion was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2024, a recognition of his lasting impact on the sport.
Even months before his death, Hatton had announced plans for a return to the ring in December to face the UAEâs first professional boxer, Eisa Al Dah.
For fans, Hatton will be remembered not only for his thrilling fights but for his courage, charisma, and the unmatched devotion of those who followed him.
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