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| Former boxing champion Ricky Hatton. Photo: Yahoo Sports. |
Hatton, one of the sport’s most beloved fighters, was found at his home in Hyde, northwest England, on Sunday morning. Local authorities confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
For fans across the globe, Hatton was much more than a champion; he was “The Hitman,” a working-class hero who carried the hopes of Manchester into the ring every time he fought. Known for his relentless pressure style, thunderous body shots, and loyal army of traveling fans, Hatton’s career embodied grit, heart, and entertainment.
The Ring is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Ring Magazine super-lightweight champion, Ricky Hatton.
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) September 14, 2025
Our deepest sympathies are with Ricky’s friends and family at this time. pic.twitter.com/0HDq7stltO
Hatton’s record stands at 45 wins (32 by knockout) against just 3 defeats. His crowning moment came in 2005, when he upset Kostya Tszyu to become a unified light welterweight champion, a victory that cemented his place among Britain’s finest. Wins over the likes of Jose Luis Castillo only added to his reputation as one of the most thrilling fighters of his generation.
Of course, Hatton’s biggest nights came under the bright lights of Las Vegas. He shared the ring with two of the greatest fighters of all time, Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009. Though those bouts ended in defeat, they elevated Hatton into global superstardom. Fans remember the electric atmosphere he brought to those nights, with tens of thousands of Brits singing his name as if it were a football match.
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| Ricky Hatton during his title fight against Manny Pacquiao in 2009. Photo: Getty Images. |
Hatton retired in 2012 after a final bout against Vyacheslav Senchenko, but even in retirement, he remained a central figure in British boxing, first as a trainer, then as an ambassador for the sport. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2024, a fitting honor for a man whose impact went far beyond wins and losses.
Still, Hatton’s journey was not without struggles. He was open about his battles with depression, alcohol, and drugs, and he spoke candidly about the emotional toll of his knockout loss to Pacquiao. Yet, in classic Ricky fashion, he faced those demons with the same honesty and courage he once showed in the ring.
Today, the boxing world remembers Ricky Hatton not only as a champion but as a fighter who wore his heart on his sleeve. He will forever remain a legend — both in the squared circle and in the hearts of fans who adored him.
Rest in peace, Champ.