Ricky Hatton, one of Britain’s most beloved boxing icons, has passed away at the age of 46, leaving behind a legacy that stretches far beyond the ropes of the ring. The former world champion, affectionately known as "The Hitman," was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday, September 14, 2025. According to Greater Manchester Police, there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Hatton’s family, in a heartfelt statement released via Greater Manchester Police on Monday, expressed the depth of their grief and the solace they have found in the outpouring of love from fans and well-wishers. "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard," the statement began. "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."
The loss has reverberated throughout the sports world and beyond, with tributes pouring in from fellow athletes, celebrities, and public figures. Manchester City footballer Phil Foden dedicated his team’s 3-0 derby win over Manchester United to Hatton, a lifelong City supporter. Before the match at Etihad Stadium, the crowd observed a minute’s applause in his memory, underscoring the deep connection between Hatton and his home city.
Hatton’s career was nothing short of spectacular. Turning professional in 1997, he quickly became known for his relentless, all-action style and his ferocious pace inside the ring. Over a 15-year career, he amassed an impressive record, winning 45 of his 48 professional bouts and capturing world titles in both the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions. Arguably his finest hour came in June 2005, when he defeated Kostya Tszyu at Manchester Arena to claim the IBF welterweight title—a night that has since become legendary among British boxing fans.
But Hatton’s appeal was never just about his achievements between the ropes. He was, as his family described, a man with "a heart as big as his smile," whose kindness, humor, and loyalty touched everyone he met. "He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport," the family said. "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."
Hatton’s openness about his struggles with mental health in the years following his retirement only added to his reputation as a relatable, honest figure. He was never shy about discussing the challenges he faced outside of boxing, and his candor helped to destigmatize mental health issues within the sporting community. "He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him," his family said in their statement, a sentiment echoed by countless fans and colleagues.
The sporting world responded to Hatton’s passing with an outpouring of affection and respect. Fellow boxers Amir Khan, Tyson Fury, and Chris Eubank Jr. all paid tribute, as did former opponents like Paul Malignaggi, who described Hatton as both an "old friend and foe" and called his death "extremely sad." Two-time Olympic gold medalist Nicola Adams hailed Hatton as "a true legend in and out of the ring," while former world champion Barry McGuigan told BBC Radio 5 Live that Hatton was "a phenomenal attraction, both inside and outside the ring." McGuigan added, "He liked to enjoy himself but he would train himself into phenomenal condition."
Hatton’s popularity extended well beyond boxing’s inner circle. Oasis singer Liam Gallagher expressed his devastation on social media, writing, "It was an absolute honour to know him and carry his belts RIP CHAMP LIVE FOREVER LG x." Comedian Paddy McGuinness delivered an emotional tribute on his radio show, and cricket star Freddie Flintoff posted an image of Hatton in the ring, simply captioning it "legend." Even football legend David Beckham shared images of Hatton, describing him as "one of a kind."
Manchester itself has been deeply affected by Hatton’s passing. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham described the news as "hard to take in," emphasizing Hatton’s contributions to the community: "Ricky was 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." Burnham’s pledge to honor Hatton’s legacy was echoed across the city, with many calling for a permanent memorial to the boxer who never forgot his roots.
Hatton’s influence was felt on the world stage as well. His bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas in 2007 drew more than 30,000 British fans to the city, a testament to his magnetic appeal and the loyalty he inspired. He also faced off against Manny Pacquiao and fought a legendary 2008 bout with Paul Malignaggi in Nevada. Even in retirement, Hatton’s love for boxing endured—he announced plans for a comeback fight in Dubai scheduled for December 2, 2025, against Eisa Al Dah, though the bout will now never take place.
Tributes to Hatton were not limited to words. Manchester City’s tribute at the Etihad was mirrored by a 10-bell salute at the World Boxing Championships at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, a traditional boxing honor reserved for the sport’s most revered figures. These gestures, alongside countless messages from fans and fellow athletes, speak to the breadth and depth of Hatton’s impact.
As his family navigates their "immeasurable" loss, they have found comfort in the knowledge that Hatton’s legacy will endure. "It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected," their statement read. "At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy—both in boxing and as a man—will continue to live on. Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly."
For now, the world of boxing and the city of Manchester mourn the loss of an extraordinary fighter and an even greater man. Plans are already underway to ensure Hatton is remembered in a manner befitting his contributions to sport and community alike. As the tributes continue to pour in, one thing is certain—Ricky Hatton’s fighting spirit, humility, and warmth will never be forgotten.
