The boxing world and the city of Manchester are reeling after the sudden passing of Ricky Hatton, the beloved British former world champion known as "The Hitman." Hatton, aged just 46, was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, early on the morning of September 14, 2025. Police responded to a call at 6:45am and confirmed the discovery of a 46-year-old man’s body, assuring the public that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. While authorities have not formally confirmed the identity, tributes from family, friends, and the global sporting community leave no doubt that it is indeed Hatton who has been lost.
Hatton’s story is more than just a tale of boxing glory—it’s a saga of grit, resilience, and the enduring connection between a fighter and his fans. Born and raised in Manchester, Hatton’s journey from local prospect to international superstar began in 1997 with a victory over Colin McAuley. His relentless, all-action style quickly endeared him to British audiences, and by 2000 he had claimed the British light-welterweight title with a win over Jon Thaxton. The Manchester Evening News Arena became his fortress, selling out time and again as Hatton built an undefeated record and a reputation as one of the sport’s most exciting fighters.
The big breakthrough came in June 2005 when Hatton faced the formidable Kostya Tszyu for the IBF world super lightweight title. In front of 22,000 raucous fans in Manchester, Hatton forced Tszyu to retire on his stool at the end of the eleventh round—a moment Hatton would later describe as his greatest triumph. That victory propelled him onto the world stage, and his passionate fanbase followed him across the Atlantic for blockbuster bouts in the United States. His American debut in 2006 saw him outpoint Luis Collazo in Boston, and a spectacular knockout of Jose Luis Castillo in Las Vegas a year later only added to his legend.
Hatton’s run of 43 consecutive wins finally ended in December 2007 when he met Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Despite a valiant effort, Hatton suffered his first professional defeat, but his reputation only grew as he continued to take on the sport’s elite. A sold-out homecoming at Manchester City’s stadium followed, before Hatton faced Manny Pacquiao in 2009. That bout ended in a brutal second-round knockout, and after a period of soul-searching and personal turmoil, Hatton announced his retirement.
Yet the story didn’t end there. Hatton’s openness about his struggles with depression, alcohol, and drugs made him a relatable figure beyond the ring. "I was coming off the rails with my drinking and that led to drugs. It was like a runaway train," he told BBC radio in 2016, according to Reuters. His willingness to discuss mental health issues broke down barriers in a sport known for its stoicism. As Amir Khan wrote in tribute, "As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong—we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind. Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other."
Hatton’s determination saw him mount a comeback in 2012 after years out of the ring, though he lost to Vyacheslav Senchenko. Even so, the very act of returning was celebrated as a personal victory, a testament to his resilience. In retirement, Hatton found renewed purpose as a trainer, guiding Zhanat Zhakiyanov to a world bantamweight title in 2017. His influence on a new generation of fighters and fans alike was undeniable. Frank Warren, his former manager, described him as a "superbly talented fighter who inspired a generation of young boxers and fans in a way very few had done before," adding that Hatton will "rightly go down as one of the modern greats of this sport."
Hatton’s love for Manchester City Football Club was legendary. He was a fixture at matches, close friends with Oasis bandmates Noel and Liam Gallagher, and a symbol of the city’s sporting spirit. On the day of his death, the Etihad Stadium fell silent for a minute of appreciation before the Manchester derby between City and United. Fans sang the club anthem "Blue Moon" with extra passion, and manager Pep Guardiola was seen wiping away tears. Manchester City released a statement: "Ricky was one of City's most loved and revered supporters, who will always be remembered for a glittering boxing career that saw him win world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight. Everyone at the Club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time."
Tributes poured in from across the sporting world. Tyson Fury wrote, "Rip to the legend Ricky Hatton may he rip. There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton. can't believe this so young." Chris Eubank Jr. added, "Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you." Soccer legend Michael Owen called Hatton "a great guy, and what a fighter. Incredibly sad news." Manny Pacquiao, who shared the ring with Hatton in one of boxing’s most memorable fights, said, "He was not only a great fighter inside the ring but also a brave and kind man in life. We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history and I will always honor the respect and sportsmanship he showed."
Amid the outpouring of grief, the World Boxing Association summed up the mood: "With deep sadness, the WBA mourns the passing of Ricky 'The Hitman' Hatton. A true champion, an indomitable spirit, and a legend of the sport. Your legacy will live on in every fight and in the hearts of boxing fans around the world."
Hatton is survived by his three children—Millie, Fearne, and Campbell—as well as his granddaughter Lyla. He was due to return to the ring in December 2025 for a comeback fight against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai, a testament to his enduring love for the sport and his refusal to let adversity define him.
On a day when Manchester’s two great football clubs clashed, the city stood united in grief and celebration of Ricky Hatton’s extraordinary life. For fans, fighters, and friends alike, his memory will remain as enduring as his fighting spirit—one that inspired, uplifted, and, above all, brought people together.
