MANCHESTER – Grief surrounds the boxing community and Manchester after Ricky Hatton, the former world champion, was found dead at his Hyde home early on Sunday, 14 September 2025. Hatton, aged 46 and known to many as “The Hitman,” captured hearts with his fighting spirit and warmth.
His life touched countless fans both inside and outside the boxing ring. Greater Manchester Police reported that officers responded to a call at 6:45 a.m. after someone discovered Ricky Hatton’s body. While the official cause of death remains unknown, the authorities have ruled out any suspicious circumstances. This uncertainty has led to a surge of speculation and emotional tributes across the internet.
Hatton’s death comes only weeks after he announced a comeback bout in Dubai against Eisa Al Dah, planned for 2 December 2025. The news left supporters devastated, as he had recently shared vigorous training videos on social media. In one of his last posts, Hatton could be seen pushing through a heavy treadmill session, writing, “Evening run in the bag.
Don’t worry about our kid. #getupthereboy #hitman #bluemoon.” When he missed a gym session on Friday and failed to attend a boxing event on Saturday, concern grew among friends. A close friend checked in on him, which led to the heartbreaking discovery.
Hatton spoke openly about his battles with mental health and addiction, struggles that often followed the toughest points of his career. Knockout defeats by Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009 hit him hard.
In a 2022 interview with the BBC, Hatton admitted he had suffered through depression, alcohol problems, and survived several suicide attempts after his loss to Pacquiao.
People close to him, such as boxing commentator Steve Bunce, said Ricky was recently in good spirits, focusing on his training and finding stability in the gym. While fans reflect on his well-known struggles, police insist his death was not suspicious.
Mourning in Manchester and Beyond
The news quickly spread throughout the boxing world and across Manchester, where Hatton was born and where he was a proud fan of Manchester City. Friends, fellow boxers, and the public paid their respects. At Hatton’s Hyde residence, called “The Heartbreak,” people left flowers, gloves, and handwritten notes.
A message read, “Devastated is the only thing that comes to mind. Thank you for being the beautiful soul you are.” Nearby, local supporter Stephen Billing tied a Manchester City scarf with the words “RIP Ricky” outside his home, calling Hatton “a proper local lad, down to earth.”
Hatton leaves behind his three children, Campbell, Millie, and Fearne, and his granddaughter, Lyla. His younger brother, Matthew, also a former boxer, shared a touching message on X, saying, “I love you Richard. See you on the other side.”
Close friends, including broadcaster Paddy McGuinness, became emotional while announcing Hatton’s passing on BBC Radio 2, even playing “Blue Moon” to honour Hatton’s unwavering support for Manchester City.
The boxing community expressed its sorrow in equal measure. Amir Khan described Hatton as “a friend, a mentor, a warrior,” and highlighted his willingness to speak about mental health. Tyson Fury posted, “There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this so young.”
Manny Pacquiao, who fought Hatton in 2009, recognized Ricky’s courage both in and out of the ring. His comments reflected the admiration fighters everywhere held for Hatton. Marco Antonio Barrera, who met Hatton in an exhibition in 2022, described him as “a once in a lifetime man.”
Manchester City also honoured Ricky Hatton with a minute’s applause before their 3-0 win over Manchester United. The fans’ chant of “There’s only one Ricky Hatton” echoed through the stadium. Phil Foden, after scoring, dedicated his goal to Ricky. Manager Pep Guardiola said the tribute felt very special and emotional, and that Ricky Hatton’s influence would always be remembered.
Ricky Hatton’s Champion’s Journey
Ricky Hatton’s boxing story started in Stockport in 1978. As a teenager, he won seven British amateur titles before turning professional at 18. Known for his aggressive, crowd-pleasing style, Hatton went on to secure 45 wins from 48 professional matches, becoming world champion at light-welterweight and welterweight.
One of his finest moments came in 2005, when he outlasted Kostya Tszyu at Manchester’s MEN Arena and claimed the IBF, Ring, and lineal belts. He then unified the WBA title against Carlos Maussa and beat Luis Collazo to win at welterweight in 2006.
His career peaked in Las Vegas in 2007, when he stopped Jose Luis Castillo before 30,000 British supporters made the trip to see him face Floyd Mayweather Jr. Although he lost to Mayweather, Hatton’s popularity only grew, and fans continued their famous chant, “There’s only one Ricky Hatton.”
A 2009 defeat to Pacquiao was tough for him, but his return in 2012 against Vyacheslav Senchenko was still considered a personal victory, given his fight against depression and other difficulties. Away from boxing, Hatton brought fun and personality to television, making an appearance on Dancing on Ice in 2024 and entertaining audiences at after-dinner speaking events.
Ricky Hatton’s impact went far beyond the sport. By speaking honestly about his struggles with mental health, he opened the way for other fighters to do the same. As a trainer, he helped boxers like Zhanat Zhakiyanov reach world level, and his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2024 marked his importance to the sport.
Tributes have come from all corners, including stars like Liam Gallagher and David Beckham. Ricky Hatton’s story, full of both challenges and victories, has made a lasting impression on boxing, Manchester, and everyone who followed his journey. The memory of “The Hitman” lives on through his achievements and the genuine affection of those who knew him. Rest in peace, Ricky Hatton.
