The celebrated Manchester fighter was discovered deceased at his residence in Greater Manchester
Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton, known professionally as ‘The Hitman’, has passed away at age 46 after being discovered at his residence in Greater Manchester.
The accomplished pugilist, originally from Stockport, was found at his property in Gee Cross, Hyde, on the morning of September 14th. Law enforcement established a perimeter around the home following the discovery.
Authorities from Greater Manchester Police have verified the discovery of a deceased individual and stated that no foul play is suspected in connection with the death.
This tragic development occurs just months following the boxing legend’s announcement of his planned return to the ring, with a bout scheduled for December.
Hatton, who was approaching his 47th birthday in October, had been transparent about his personal battles with mental health challenges and substance abuse issues. He had previously survived attempts on his own life and worked to repair relationships with family members while addressing his psychological wellbeing.
Throughout his professional boxing tenure, he captured multiple world championship titles across different weight divisions and received recognition as Fighter of the Year in 2015.
A representative from Greater Manchester Police stated: “Emergency responders were summoned by a civilian to Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at approximately 6:45am this morning, where they discovered the remains of a 46-year-old male. Currently, no suspicious circumstances are believed to be involved.”
Career Highlights
Hatton achieved world championship status in both light-welterweight and welterweight categories. His journey from amateur and domestic competition led him to face elite boxers of his era, including notable opponents Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather, and Manny Pacquiao.
Earning the moniker ‘The Hitman’, Hatton gained national recognition in the early 2000s. He successfully retained the WBU light-welterweight championship fifteen consecutive times from 2001 to 2004, subsequently claiming IBF and WBA titles to achieve world champion status.
His welterweight debut came in 2006, where he secured a world title in his second weight classification before returning to light-welterweight competition in 2007. That same year marked his initial professional defeat against Floyd Mayweather Jr., followed by another loss in 2009.
Hatton initially retired in 2011, but announced his comeback in 2012 after more than three years away from competition. His defeat to Vyacheslav Senchenko led to a 13-year retirement period. Earlier this year, he had announced another comeback scheduled for Dubai in December.
Tributes Pour In
Fellow boxing champion Tyson Fury expressed his disbelief on social media, sharing photographs of the pair together and writing: “RIP to the legend @rickyhatton may he rest in peace. There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this so young.”
Broadcaster Piers Morgan also paid his respects, calling the news “incredibly sad.”
Bolton boxer Amir Khan described Hatton as “a friend, a mentor, a warrior,” highlighting the mental health struggles that fighters often face in silence.
The boxing community and fans worldwide continue to mourn the loss of one of Britain’s most celebrated fighters.
