The world of boxing and British sport is mourning the loss of one of its brightest and most beloved figures, Ricky Hatton, whose death at age 46 has prompted an extraordinary outpouring of tributes from family, friends, fans, and fellow athletes alike. On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Greater Manchester Police confirmed that Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester. Officials stated there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his passing, bringing a sudden and somber close to the life of a man whose heart and fighting spirit won him admiration across the globe.
Hatton’s family, devastated by the loss, issued a heartfelt statement through the police on Monday. “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard. Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many. He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.” They described their loss as “immeasurable,” adding, “Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support. It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.”
A champion in every sense, Hatton’s professional boxing career spanned 15 years, during which he amassed an impressive record of 45 wins in 48 bouts. Known by the nickname ‘The Hitman,’ he became world champion at both light-welterweight and welterweight, last stepping into the ring professionally in 2012. His relentless, all-action style and powerful body punches made him a fan favorite, and his humility outside the ring endeared him to millions. “He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from,” his family wrote.
Hatton’s rise coincided with a golden era for British boxing. He brought Manchester to the world stage, with his fights drawing enormous crowds and attention. More than 30,000 fans famously traveled to Las Vegas in 2007 to witness his showdown against Floyd Mayweather Jr., a testament to the devotion he inspired. Hatton’s career saw him face off against some of the sport’s greatest, including Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, and he held world titles in two divisions—a rare feat in any era.
Tributes have poured in from every corner of the sporting world and beyond. On Monday, fans left flowers and replica Manchester City shirts—Hatton’s beloved football club—outside his home. Manchester City honored him with a minute’s appreciation before their match at the Etihad Stadium, while a 10-bell salute was held in his memory at the World Boxing Championships at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena. The city’s mayor, Andy Burnham, praised Hatton as “much loved by so many in Greater Manchester. He was the kind of person who would always turn up for people, supporting so many causes. He made us smile and made us proud. We will find a way of honouring him properly. Rest in peace, Champ.”
Hatton’s influence extended far beyond boxing. His magnetic and engaging personality made him a fixture in Manchester’s cultural life, forging friendships with music icons like Liam and Noel Gallagher of Oasis. The Gallaghers, fellow Manchester natives, famously carried Hatton’s world title belts into the ring before his 2008 Las Vegas bout with Paulie Malignaggi. Liam Gallagher paid tribute on social media, writing, “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about RICKY HATTON it was an absolute honour to know him and carry his belts RIP CHAMP LIVE FOREVER.” In August, Hatton was spotted in Tenerife, Spain, performing Oasis classics at a local bar, a testament to his love of music and life.
Former boxing champions and promoters have also spoken out about Hatton’s impact. Barry McGuigan recalled training runs with Hatton, describing his huge following and magnetic personality. “He liked to enjoy himself but he would train himself into phenomenal condition,” McGuigan told BBC Radio 5 Live. Frank Bruno, another British boxing legend, said his “life was enriched” by his friendship with Hatton, adding, “There will never be another Ricky or anyone like him and at this time I share the shock and upset of losing what I consider to be a great fighter, a friend and an amazing human being.”
Frank Warren, Hatton’s former promoter, credited him with turning Manchester into the “capital of British boxing.” Warren said, “It was phenomenal what he did for British boxing. We worked hard to get Manchester on the map—it wasn’t a big fight town, but he was quite instrumental in that happening. He crossed over in a big way to the general public—they got behind him. He became a serious man of the people, a really nice guy.” Anthony Crolla, a former WBA lightweight champion, echoed those sentiments: “There will never be another Ricky Hatton—no one will get close to him. Every kid used to try and fight like him. That was the impact he had.”
Hatton’s legacy is not just measured by titles or records, but by the affection and admiration he inspired. He was a fighter who wore his heart on his sleeve, who never forgot his roots, and who brought people together—whether in the ring, in his beloved Manchester, or among friends and fans across the world. His family, while requesting privacy as they come to terms with life without him, have taken solace in the knowledge that “Richard’s legacy—both in boxing and as a man—will continue to live on.”
As Manchester considers how best to honor a son who gave it so much, the world of sport pauses to remember a champion whose fighting spirit, humility, and love for life touched countless lives. Ricky Hatton’s memory will endure in the hearts of his family, his fans, and the city he made proud. The tributes, the stories, and the love pouring in are a testament to a man whose legacy is as indelible as his smile.
