British boxing legend Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 46 after being found at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday morning. Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Hatton, nicknamed “The Hitman”, was one of Britain’s most beloved fighters, winning multiple world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight.
His passionate fanbase followed him across the globe, famously travelling in their thousands to watch him face Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao in some of the sport’s biggest nights.
Tributes have poured in from across the sporting world. Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury wrote on Instagram: “RIP to the legend Ricky Hatton. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this – so young.”
Ex-world champion Amir Khan hailed Hatton as more than a boxing great: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior. Ricky Hatton.”
Former England captain David Beckham said on Instagram: “Ricky was one of a kind. Just heartbreaking.”
Wayne Rooney, who memorably carried Hatton’s belts into the ring before his 2007 fight with Jose Luis Castillo, posted: “Devastated. A legend, a warrior and a great person.”
Manchester City, Hatton’s boyhood club, honoured him with a minute’s applause before their derby against Manchester United on Sunday. Manager Pep Guardiola described him as “a true champion and part of the Man City family.”
Across a glittering 15-year career, Hatton won 45 of his 48 professional fights, including his famous 2005 victory over Kostya Tszyu at the Manchester Arena.
He was named The Ring magazine’s Fighter of the Year in the same season and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2024.
