Ricky Hatton, the beloved British boxing legend referred to as “The Hitman,” has died on the age of 46. The previous world champion, who rose to fame within the 2000s together with his aggressive fashion and constant Manchester fan base, was discovered at his residence in Hyde, Larger Manchester, in September 2025.
The World Boxing Affiliation confirmed the information in a press release: “With deep unhappiness, the WBA mourns the passing of Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton. A real champion, an indomitable spirit, and a legend of the game. Your legacy will dwell on in each battle and within the hearts of boxing followers all over the world.”
Though Hatton had retired from the game in 2012, he revealed in July 2025 that he was getting ready for a second comeback, with a battle scheduled for December in Dubai. “I believe it’ll be a sensational night,” he mentioned on the time, expressing his pleasure about stepping again into the ring.
As tributes pour in for one of many U.Okay.’s most iconic fighters, discover out extra about Hatton under.
He Rose to Fame as a World Champion Boxer
Hatton turned one among Britain’s most celebrated boxers within the 2000s, rising by means of the light-welterweight division to seize a number of world titles. His breakout second got here in 2005 when he defeated Kostya Tszyu to win the IBF light-welterweight title, a victory that cemented his place as a fan favourite. Identified for his relentless preventing fashion and constant Manchester following, Hatton earned the nickname “The Hitman” and rapidly turned one of many sport’s largest attracts.
Hatton’s rise additionally introduced him into the ring with two of boxing’s all-time greats: Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. His 2007 conflict with Mayweather, billed as “Undefeated,” marked his first skilled loss however turned one of many most-watched fights of the period. Two years later, in 2009, he confronted Pacquiao in Las Vegas, struggling a second-round knockout.
He Was a Father of Three
Hatton was the daddy of three youngsters: son Campbell, and daughters Millie and Fearne. His eldest, Campbell, adopted in his footsteps by launching an expert boxing profession of his personal earlier than retiring in 2025.
He Battled Psychological Well being Struggles Exterior the Ring
After retiring from boxing in 2012, Hatton was candid about his struggles with melancholy, substance abuse, and the difficulties of adjusting to life outdoors the ring. He admitted in interviews that he felt misplaced with out the construction of boxing and turned to alcohol and medicines at numerous factors. “I used to be coming off the rails with my consuming and that led to medicine. It was like a runaway practice,” he advised BBC radio in 2016, in response to Reuters.
His openness about psychological well being helped spark wider conversations within the sports activities world concerning the challenges athletes face after their careers finish.
He Was Honored With a Corridor of Fame Induction
In 2024, Hatton’s legacy was acknowledged with induction into the Worldwide Boxing Corridor of Fame, honoring his achievements as a champion and his influence on the game. Over the course of his profession, Hatton compiled a report of 45 wins and three losses, with 32 victories by knockout.
Reflecting on his profession throughout his induction speech, Hatton mentioned, “I had some wars, didn’t I?”
What Was Ricky Hatton’s Reason behind Loss of life?
Hatton died on the age of 46. No reason for loss of life was instantly disclosed. He was discovered at his residence in Hyde, Larger Manchester, and authorities said they weren’t treating his loss of life as suspicious.
