Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton was discovered deceased at his residence in Greater Manchester, England, on Sunday morning at the age of 46, according to Greater Manchester Police. Police arrived at the scene following a call at 6:45 a.m. local time on September 14, 2025, at his home on Bowlacre Road in Hyde, Tameside. Authorities have confirmed that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
The fighter, born in Stockport and known as “The Hitman” and “The Pride of Hyde,” captured world titles in the light welterweight and welterweight divisions during his 15-year professional career. Hatton achieved a record of 45 wins and three losses in 48 professional bouts spanning from 1997 to 2012, competing against high-profile boxers like Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao, and Kostya Tszyu.
On Monday morning, Hatton’s family shared a heartfelt statement through Greater Manchester Police, expressing their profound loss. The family mentioned that Hatton was more than just a world champion, referring to him as Richard, their son, a loving father, grandfather, brother, and a true friend to many.
In their statement, the family highlighted that Hatton gave his all inside the ring and was open-hearted outside of it. They noted his ability to inspire generations with his fighting spirit, humility, and passion for boxing, while maintaining his roots as the same Richard who never forgot his origins.
Hatton’s career reached a pinnacle in June 2005 when he defeated the defending champion, Kostya Tszyu, for the IBF world light-welterweight title before 22,000 fans in Manchester. He later considered this victory his greatest achievement. In 2006, he scored a points victory over Luis Collazo in Boston, Massachusetts, which led to major opportunities, including a notable fourth-round knockout win over Jose Luis Castillo in Las Vegas in June 2007.
Hatton experienced his first professional defeat against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in December 2007, followed by a second-round knockout loss to Manny Pacquiao in May 2009. After initially retiring following the Pacquiao fight, Hatton attempted a comeback in November 2012 but was defeated by Vyacheslav Senchenko at the Manchester Evening News Arena, which was his last professional fight.
Post-retirement, Hatton openly discussed his struggles with mental health, including depression, weight gain, and substance abuse issues. He resolved family disputes and legal challenges to become a successful trainer, guiding Zhanat Zhakiyanov to a world bantamweight title victory in 2017. In July 2025, just two months prior to his death, Hatton announced an unexpected comeback fight scheduled for December in Dubai against Eisa Al Dah.
Tributes have been pouring in from the boxing community and beyond. Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury expressed disbelief on social media, stating, “There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton.” Former world champion Amir Khan remembered Hatton as one of Britain’s greatest boxers, as well as a friend, mentor, and warrior.
Manny Pacquiao also paid tribute via social media, describing Hatton as a great fighter both in the ring and in life, noting their shared moments in boxing history and commending Hatton’s sportsmanship and respect.
As a dedicated Manchester City supporter, Hatton was honored with a minute of appreciation before Sunday’s Manchester derby against Manchester United. Phil Foden and manager Pep Guardiola dedicated City’s 3-0 victory to Hatton’s memory, with Foden indicating the news motivated his performance during the match.
The World Boxing Association expressed its condolences, describing Hatton as a true champion and a legend whose legacy will endure in every fight and in the hearts of boxing fans worldwide. Former promoter Frank Warren described Hatton as a talented fighter who inspired a generation of young boxers and fans.
Fans began leaving tributes outside Hatton’s home on Monday, including flowers and replica Manchester City shirts. Manchester mayor Andy Burnham indicated that the region would work to appropriately honor Hatton’s memory, with suggestions emerging for a statue to commemorate the boxer’s legacy in Greater Manchester.
