Richard John Hatton “Ricky Hatton” (6 October 1978 – September 2025), commonly known as the Hitman and the People’s Champion, was an English professional boxer who competed from 1997 to 2012 and then became a boxing promoter and trainer.
Throughout his boxing career, he won multiple world championships in the light welterweight division and one at welterweight. In 2005, The Ring, the Boxing Writers Association of America, and ESPN crowned him Fighter of the Year.
Ricky Hatton, the beloved British boxing legend, died at the age of 46. The former world champion, who rose to prominence in the 2000s with his aggressive style and passionate Manchester fan base, was discovered at his house in Hyde, Greater Manchester, in September 2025.
The World Boxing Association issued a statement confirming the news: “With deep regret, the WBA mourns Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton’s demise. A true champion, an indestructible spirit, and a sporting legend. Your legacy will live on via every fight and in the hearts of boxing fans throughout the world.”
Although Hatton resigned from the sport in 2012, he announced in July 2025 that he was planning a second comeback, with a fight slated for December in Dubai. “I think it’ll be a sensational evening,” he stated at the time, excited to return to the ring.
As condolences flood in for one of the United Kingdom’s most legendary fighters, learn more about Ricky Hatton below.
Who is Ricky Hatton?
Richard John Hatton was born on October 6, 1978, in Stockport. He was raised in a tavern on the Hattersley council estate in Hyde, Greater Manchester. He initially trained at the Sale West ABC (Racecourse Estate). He attended Hattersley High School. Hatton’s grandpa and father both played football for Rochdale, and he tried out for the youth squad. He discovered a local boxing club in Hyde to train at.
His entrance music is the Manchester City club song “Blue Moon” performed by the band “Supra”. Hatton was 14 years old when his uncles, Ged and Paul, took him to Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium to watch Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank fight for the second time.
When he finished school, he joined the family carpet business, but after cutting four of his fingers with a Stanley knife, his father made him a salesman to keep him from losing them.
SEE MORE ARTICLES
Who was Charlie Kirk? What to know about Turning Point USA co-founder
Who was Katie Slaton? 1000-lb Sisters’ Tammy and Amy Slaton’s
Who was Bobby Jenks? 6 things you should know about the World-Series hero who died aged 44
Hulk Hogan Legacy: 7 Things You May Not Know About the WWE Hall of Famer
Career Highlights
Hatton’s career record was 45 wins in 48 matches, including 32 knockouts. He won world titles in both the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions, defeating notable fighters like Kostya Tszyu and Luis Collazo.
One of his most memorable performances came in 2005, when he defeated Tszyu in front of a loud Manchester crowd to win the IBF light-welterweight championship. He later battled boxing greats Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009, battles that, despite their defeats, reinforced his global presence and reputation for courage.
Hatton retired in 2012, but his life outside of the ring was not without challenges. He freely revealed his struggles with depression and substance abuse, which led him to become an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness.
His willingness to speak publicly about his troubles inspired both fans and athletes, breaking down barriers in a sport where toughness frequently covers weakness. Surprisingly, Hatton had declared plans to return to exhibitions in Dubai just months before his death.
In July 2025, he announced that he would fight Eisa Al Dah in December. Training footage shared online showed him enthusiastically preparing, and fans reacted positively to the news of one of Britain’s greatest boxing sons returning to the ring.
Beyond his belts and injuries, Hatton’s career is defined by the adoration he commanded from fans and peers. He was popular both inside and outside the ring, thanks to his sense of humour and down-to-earth demeanor.
As tributes flood in, Hatton is remembered not only as a brilliant fighter but also as a man who brought joy, courage, and honesty to the sport. His death creates a gap that will be felt across the boxing community and beyond. Ricky Hatton’s life was a fight in every way, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Major Fights and Championships
Hatton’s career includes many great battles, but a handful stand out as defining moments:
- Kostya Tszyu (2005): Hatton’s most noteworthy victory came when he defeated the legendary Kostya Tszyu for the IBF Light Welterweight belt. The fight, staged in Manchester, is regarded as one of the best in British boxing history. Hatton’s triumph cemented him as a global superstar.
- Carlos Maussa (2005): Later that year, Hatton unified the Light Welterweight division by defeating Carlos Maussa and earning the WBA championship. This triumph cemented his reputation as one of the finest in the division.
- Floyd Mayweather Jr. (2007): Hatton met Floyd Mayweather Jr. for the WBC Welterweight belt in 2007, which was widely anticipated. Despite a brave effort, Hatton lost his first professional bout. The battle, however, demonstrated Hatton’s bravery and persistence, garnering him respect even in defeat.
- Manny Pacquiao (2009): Hatton’s career took another big shift when he faced Manny Pacquiao in 2009. Unfortunately, Hatton was knocked out in the second round, forcing him to temporarily withdraw from fighting.
He Battled Mental Health Struggles Outside the Ring
After retiring from boxing in 2012, Hatton was open about his battles with depression, substance misuse, and transitioning to life outside of the ring. He stated in interviews that he felt adrift without the framework of boxing and had turned to booze and drugs at times. “My drinking was getting out of control, which led to drug use. “It was like a runaway train,” he told BBC Radio in 2016, according to Reuters.
His candor regarding mental health sparked broader discussions in the sports community about the issues sportsmen confront once their careers conclude.
He was honored with the Hall of Fame induction.
Hatton’s career was honored in 2024 when he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, celebrating his championship victories and effect on the sport. Hatton finished his career with 45 wins and 3 losses, including 32 knockouts.
Death
On September 14, 2025, Hatton was discovered dead at his house at Gee Cross, Hyde. He was 46. Greater Manchester Police reported that his body was located following a neighbour’s call and that his death was not being investigated as suspicious.
Former world champions Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Manny Pacquiao, as well as manager and promoter Frank Warren, paid tribute to Hatton.
Personal Life
Hatton had three children: son Campbell, and daughters Millie and Fearne. His eldest son, Campbell, followed in his footsteps and began his own professional boxing career before retiring in 2025.
Ricky Hatton Net Worth
Ricky Hatton‘s net worth is expected to exceed $40 million by 2025. He is the fifteenth-wealthiest boxer on the planet, according to Wealthy Gorilla. Ricky’s profits were primarily derived from his great career in the boxing profession. He was a professional boxer who also ran a promotional business.