Boxing has lost one of its most loved figures with the death of Ricky Hatton at the age of 46. The former two weight world champion was found at his home in Greater Manchester, with police confirming there are no suspicious circumstances.
Tributes poured in from across sport. Amir Khan called him “one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but also a friend, a mentor, a warrior.” Tyson Fury said on Instagram: “There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this, so young.” Hatton’s brother Matthew shared a simple message: “I love you Richard.”
Football star Wayne Rooney added: “Devastated. A legend, a warrior, and a great person.”
Hatton’s down to earth nature and fearless fighting style made him one of the most popular British boxers of his era. His trademark all action approach, along with his honest battles with weight and mental health, built a huge fanbase that followed him across the world.
In 2005, Hatton produced the defining moment of his career when he beat Kostya Tszyu to win the IBF super lightweight title in front of 22,000 fans in Manchester. The victory catapulted him to global fame, with thousands of British supporters travelling to the US to watch him take on the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
Pacquiao paid tribute, saying: “He was not only a great fighter in the ring but a brave and kind man in life. Ricky truly had a good fight, and we are blessed to have been part of his journey.”
Hatton won world titles at light welterweight and welterweight and built a record that secured his place in British sporting history. He suffered his first defeat to Mayweather in 2007 and later lost to Pacquiao in 2009.
After retiring in 2012, Hatton spoke openly about his battles with depression and alcohol. His comeback fight that year, although ending in defeat, was seen as a personal victory after such struggles.
Just two months ago, Hatton had announced plans for a surprise comeback fight in Dubai this December, more than a decade after hanging up the gloves.
A Manchester icon
A lifelong Manchester City fan, Hatton’s passing was marked before Sunday’s Manchester derby with a minute’s applause from both sets of supporters. City described him as “one of our most loved and revered fans, who will always be remembered for a glittering career that saw him crowned world champion at two weights.”
Promoter Frank Warren summed up the feeling in boxing: “He was superbly talented and inspired a generation of young fighters and fans like few others before him.”
