The British boxing legend Ricky Hatton has been found dead at the age of 46.
Hatton, who held multiple world titles in the light-welterweight division, as well as one at welterweight during a storied boxing career, was one of the most popular British boxers of all time.
A police cordon was in place around his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester. Police confirmed that a body had been found at the address and that the death was not being treated as suspicious.
The Stockport-born star was named Fighter of the Year by The Ring magazine in 2005 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2024.
He was first crowned world champion when he stunned the Australian Kosta Tszyu at the Manchester Arena in 2005, then went on to be involved in two of this century’s biggest bouts involving a British fighter when he faced Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao.
Although he lost both fights, he was loved by a raucous fan base that travelled thousands of miles to watch him fight due to his bravery in the ring, all-action style and down-to-earth persona.
He hung up his gloves after his knock-out defeat to Pacquiao in 2009, but returned three years later when he lost to Vyacheslav Senchenko in 2012. He also fought a non-scoring exhibition against Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022.
The news of Hatton’s death comes months after he announced another return to boxing with a fight planned in December, against the UAE’s Eisa Al Dah.
He had previously spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and drug addiction.
A police spokesperson said: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6.45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”
Fellow British boxer Amir Khan paid tribute to Hatton on social media, paying particular attention to his mental health struggles. Khan said: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.
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“As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong — we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind. Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other.
“Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible. To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding. Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”
Tyson Fury also posted a tribute to his fellow Briton.
“Rip to the legend Ricky Hatton may he rip,” the former world heavyweight champion posted on Instagram. “There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this so young.”
Chris Eubank Jr wrote: “Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you”. Turki Al-Sheikh, the Saudi Arabian promoter, said: “I am saddened by the tragic news of Ricky Hatton’s passing at the young age of 46. He was a great fighter and a legend in British boxing.”
A statement by the promotion company Matchroom Boxing said: “[We are] saddened to hear the news of Ricky Hatton’s passing. Our thoughts and condolences are with Ricky’s friends and family at this tragic time. There’s only one Ricky Hatton.”
Hatton first came to prominence when he forced IBF champion Tszyu to retire after 11 rounds of their IBF title fight in 2005. His US debut came the following year with a points win over Luis Collazo in Boston.
His career took off from there, and the manner of his victory over the Mexican Jose Luis Castillo in Las Vegas in June 2007 stamped his ticket to greatness.
Hatton had a perfect 43-0 record before he took on Mayweather in Las Vegas in late 2007. The fight, billed as one of the biggest in boxing history, had an explosive build-up with both men comfortable on the mic and trash-talking each other ahead of the clash.
Ultimately, it was Hatton’s unbeaten record that went on the night after Mayweather claimed an impressive victory, stopping him in the 10th round.
He bounced back to beat Juan Lazcano and Paulie Malignaggi, but a subsequent meeting with Pacquiao proved a step too far, and he announced his retirement after a brutal second-round loss. After his ill-advised comeback against Senchenko he remained in retirement until the announcement of December’s bout against Al Dah.
Hatton is survived by his children Millie, Fearne and Campbell, and granddaughter Lyla. His 24-year-old son Campbell had a 14-2 record as a professional boxer himself before announcing his retirement from the sport this summer.
