British boxing legend Ricky Hatton, one of the most celebrated fighters of his generation, has died at the age of 46. The World Boxing Association (WBA) confirmed his passing on Sunday, describing him as “a true champion, an indomitable spirit and a legend of the sport.” Greater Manchester Police said Hatton’s body was discovered at a home in Hyde, in northern England, but confirmed the death was not being treated as suspicious.
Hatton, affectionately known as “The Hitman,” enjoyed a glittering 15-year career in which he captured multiple world titles across two weight divisions. He held the WBA, IBO and IBF light-welterweight belts and later added the WBA welterweight crown before retiring in 2012 with an impressive record of 45 wins from 48 fights. His most famous triumph came in 2005 when he stopped Australian great Kostya Tszyu in a brutal contest in Manchester, cementing his place among Britain’s boxing elite.
A national sporting hero, Hatton’s rise was meteoric, with his popularity stretching far beyond the ring. His legions of loyal supporters often traveled in their thousands to Las Vegas, where he took on the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009. Despite suffering defeats in both high-profile bouts, Hatton’s warrior spirit and charisma ensured he remained one of the most beloved figures in British sport.
However, life outside the ring proved more challenging. After hanging up his gloves, Hatton spoke candidly about his struggles with depression, alcohol, and drug abuse, admitting in a 2016 BBC interview that he had attempted to take his own life multiple times. His openness about mental health later became part of his legacy, and in 2023 he became an ambassador for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), a mental health charity focused on suicide prevention.
The boxing world has reacted with deep sadness to Hatton’s death. Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao wrote on X that he was “deeply saddened” by the news, calling Hatton “a great fighter inside the ring but also a brave and kind man in life.” British former champion Amir Khan hailed him as “a friend, a mentor, a warrior,” adding that Hatton’s grit and fighting spirit would forever inspire future generations.
Hatton’s ties to his hometown of Manchester were always at the heart of his identity. A lifelong Manchester City supporter, he famously wore the club’s sky-blue shorts during many of his bouts. On Sunday, City fans joined rivals Manchester United in observing a thunderous minute’s appreciation during their derby match, a poignant moment that reflected the deep affection Hatton commanded across the sporting world.
Though his career was defined by ferocious battles and unforgettable nights, Hatton’s enduring legacy lies in the passion he brought to boxing and the honesty with which he faced his struggles. His journey from Manchester lad to global icon left an indelible mark not just on British sport, but on all who admired his courage, both in and out of the ring.
As tributes continue to pour in, Ricky Hatton is remembered not only as a champion fighter, but as a man who wore his heart on his sleeve—an icon whose life embodied both the triumph and turmoil of the sport he loved.
