Ricky Hatton has tragically died at the age of 46, with stars from the world of sport and entertainment paying tribute to the former world champion
Tributes have been pouring in from the worlds of sport and entertainment for boxing legend Ricky Hatton, who has tragically passed away at the age of 46.
Hatton was discovered at his home in Greater Manchester, with police stating that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. The former world champion had been planning a return to the ring in December following struggles with mental health and substance abuse.
Boxing coach Adam Booth shared his condolences on Twitter, writing: “Truly heartbreaking. Ricky rest your soul in peace my friend. I hope your spirit can now truly feel the love and admiration that has always existed for you!”.
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Piers Morgan also paid tribute, saying: “RIP Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton, 46. Found dead at his home in Manchester, police say no suspicious circumstances. What incredibly sad news.”
Ex-England footballer Michael Owen added: “RIP Ricky Hatton. What a guy. And what a fighter. Incredibly sad news.”, reports the Mirror.
Manchester City icon Vincent Kompany posted a photo of himself with Hatton and Liam Gallagher, captioning it: “We’ll miss you Ricky. Our thoughts are with the family and friends. Rest in peace legend.”
Fellow boxer Amir Khan wrote: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton. 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.”
Hatton secured world championships at light-welterweight and welterweight, with his explosive fighting approach making him amongst the most beloved pugilists during the opening decade of the 2000s.
He progressed from amateur and national competitions to face off against the elite boxers of his era, including bouts with Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
Hatton’s humble personality also won over supporters globally, and he spoke candidly about the psychological challenges he faced following his departure from professional boxing.
He managed to resolve disputes with his relatives and legal proceedings involving his former coach Billy Graham, eventually establishing himself as an accomplished trainer, guiding Zhanat Zhakiyanov to world bantamweight championship success in 2017. Boxer Antony Fowler posted on Twitter: “Feel sick, RIP Ricky Hatton.”
Darts icon Phil Taylor commented: “Absolutely devastating news about the passing of my mate Hitman Hatton. Thoughts go out to all of his family at this horrible time. RIP my friend.”
Chris Eubank Jr penned, “Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you”, whilst Turki Al-Sheikh, amongst the sport’s most prominent promoters, remarked: “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.”
Supporters have also been expressing their condolences.
Will commented “RIP Ricky Hatton, the man that turned a generation of kids in the 2000s into boxing fans. Legend.”
Chris Young remarked: “Sad news about Ricky Hatton. Gave UK boxing fans some great nights throughout his career. Rest In Peace Hitman.”
The esteemed Boxing Magazine Boxing News stated: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing royalty Ricky Hatton.
“A relentless pressure fighter and spiteful body puncher in the ring, Hatton was adored for his charisma and down-to-earth character outside of it. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. Rest in peace, Ricky.”
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