British boxing icon Ricky Hatton, “the Hitman” to fans, has died at just 46, Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Sunday. The former two-weight world champion was found at his home in Hyde, near Manchester early Sunday morning.
“Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am [05:45 GMT] today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances,” police said.
Hatton, born in Manchester, was one of Britain’s most celebrated fighters. Over a 15-year professional career, he collected world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight, racking up 45 wins in 48 bouts before retiring in 2012.
The news sent shockwaves through sport. Former England and Manchester United midfielder David Beckham posted on Instagram:
“Ricky was one of a kind. Just heartbreaking.” Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury wrote: “RIP to the legend Ricky Hatton. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this – so young.”
Football also paused to honour him. Hatton, a lifelong Manchester City supporter, was remembered at the Etihad Stadium before Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United with a minute’s applause and fans chanting his name.
City manager Pep Guardiola called Hatton “a true champion” and “part of the Man City family.” Wayne Rooney, who famously carried Hatton’s belts into the ring years ago, said on X that he was “devastated,” calling him “a legend, a warrior and a great person.”
Hatton’s career was defined by big nights and marquee opponents. He toppled Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo but only lost to Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Even after retirement, Hatton stayed close to the sport, staging a comeback in 2012, fighting an exhibition with Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022, and earlier this year announcing plans to face Eisa Al Dah in Dubai.
He was also candid about his battles with depression, a struggle detailed in the 2023 documentary Hatton.
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