Greater Manchester police reported that Hatton's body was discovered at 6:45 a.m. London time after receiving a call from a member of the public. "There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death," a police spokesperson said.
Hatton's death comes just three months before his anticipated comeback fight in Dubai on 2/12 against Eisa Al Dah. This would have been his first return to professional boxing in 13 years, since his defeat by Vyacheslav Senchenko in 2012.
 |
Boxing legend Ricky Hatton. Photo: Sky Sports |
Boxing legend Ricky Hatton. Photo: Sky Sports
Born in 1978 in Stockport, Hatton grew up in a family that owned a pub in Hyde. From his teenage years, he trained in a gym built in the pub's basement. Hatton began his professional boxing career at the age of 18.
He quickly became a prominent fighter in England. In 2005, Hatton defeated Kostya Tszyu and Carlos Maussa, unifying the lightweight titles. A year later, he moved up to welterweight and won the WBA title from Luis Collazo.
Hatton was known for his aggressive fighting style, relentless attacks, and fearless spirit. He had a 43-fight winning streak before losing to Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas in 2007. Two years later, he fought Manny Pacquiao and lost by knockout in the second round.
His loss to Senchenko in 2012 ended Hatton's professional career with a record of 45 wins and three losses. In 2022, he returned for an exhibition match with legend Marco Antonio Barrera.
A Manchester City fan, Hatton was known as "The Pride of Hyde." He once boxed at the Etihad Stadium in 2008 against Juan Lazcano, attracting tens of thousands of Man City fans.
Alongside his fame, Hatton often spoke about his personal struggles. He faced depression, alcohol and drug addiction, and even contemplated suicide. Later, he became an advocate for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), encouraging people to focus on mental health.
In an interview with the BBC, Hatton said, "If a fighter can say that they struggle, cry every day, it makes a big difference."
Following the news of his death, many sports stars offered their condolences.
"Today we have lost not only a great British fighter but a friend, a mentor, a warrior," 38-year-old boxer Amir Khan wrote. "The toughest battles are fought in the mind, and Ricky inspired us all."
Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury also shared on Instagram: "Unbelievable. Too young. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton."
IBO middleweight champion Chris Eubank Jr. wrote: "Rest in peace, Ricky Hatton. We salute you."
Former Man City player Micah Richards called Hatton "a man of the people."
Man Utd legend Roy Keane remarked: "He was a warrior, he left it all in the ring."
Hatton is survived by his three children. He was never married. All major newspapers in England featured the news on their front pages. The sudden passing of the boxer nicknamed "Hitman" has left the world boxing community and the British sports community in mourning.
Compiled by Hoang An
