British boxer and former world champion Ricky Hatton has died at 46. Police discovered his body at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday morning, 14 September 2025. Hatton held world titles in two weight divisions and ranked among Britain’s most watched sporting figures.
Figure 1: Ricky Hatton
Police Statement on Discovery
This was reported by Greater Manchester Police who arrived at Bowlacre Road in Hyde at 6:45 a.m. on 14 September 2025. The body of a 46 year old male was located by officers. Police had not suspected foul play and they had not established the cause of death. They said, “There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”
Authorities have not released further details about the cause of death as of the afternoon. Police continue supporting the family and ask for privacy at this stage.
Tributes Flow After Sudden Shock
News of Ricky Hatton’s death stunned the boxing world. Champions and fans paid tribute throughout Sunday. Amir Khan said, “Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your resilience. Thank you for inspiring us, demonstrating what is achievable. Rest well, Ricky. You will always hold a place in the ring of our memories.”
The World Boxing Association posted, “A true champion, an indomitable spirit, and a legend of the sport. Your legacy will live on in every fight and in the hearts of boxing fans around the world.”
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… pic.twitter.com/JwSaYJe6XE
— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) September 14, 2025
Boxing Career Achievements
Hatton started his professional boxing career in 1997 after a successful amateur stint. He secured the British light-welterweight title in 2000. Hatton made a record fifteen successful World Boxing Union (WBU) defences from 2001 to 2004. He gained world attention after defeating Kostya Tszyu in Manchester in 2005. “With deep sadness, the WBA mourns the passing of Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton,” the World Boxing Association stated, honouring his legacy.
With deep sadness, the WBA mourns the passing of Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton. A true champion, an indomitable spirit, and a legend of the sport. Your legacy will live on in every fight and in the hearts of boxing fans around the world 🇬🇧
Rest in peace, Ricky 🌹🙏 pic.twitter.com/juntLFqkdQ
— WBA Boxing (@WBABoxing) September 14, 2025
Unifying the Division
Hatton became the first boxing champion to consolidate the IBF, Ring, and lineal in 2005. Later in the year, he won the WBA super light-welterweight title. He purported to defeat Carlos Maussa. In 2005, he was called Fighter of the Year by the Ring magazine, The Boxing Writers Association of America and ESPN. He fought 43 consecutive matches and did not lose them.
Fights Against Boxing Greats
Hatton has fought boxing veterans such as Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao and Kostya Tszyu. His initial defeat was against Mayweather in Las Vegas in 2007. He then lost to Pacquiao in 2009. Following a brief retirement, Hatton returned to fight in 2012. He had won 45 matches and lost 3 in his professional record.
Boxing Style and Fan Base
Hatton adopted an aggressive in-ring style, achieving a knockout percentage above 70%. He amassed 284 rounds fought in his career. Hatton gained admiration for his approach to fighting. He drew thousands of British supporters to major US venues. Hatton’s fights against international opponents became events for British fans.
Figure 2: Topless Hatton with Manchester City fans
Financial Success and Later Ventures
Hatton reportedly earned over $65 million in career purses and endorsements. His fights against Mayweather and Pacquiao generated large revenues, including $6 million from the Mayweather bout’s pay-per-view alone. After retirement, Hatton moved into boxing promotions and training. He mentored several notable boxers through Hatton Promotions. Hatton also invested in real estate, owning significant properties in Hyde. His net worth before death stood at an estimated $40 million.
Recent Comeback Announcement
Hatton stated in July 2025 that he would be returning to professional boxing. He planned a return match with Eisa Al Dah in Dubai on 2 December 2025. During the days before his death, he made updates to his training on the internet. The videos depicted Hatton training on how to fight. He was portly-looking and strong-willed. Support and encouragement were in response to fans.
Personal Struggles and Openness
Hatton spoke publicly in recent years about his struggles with mental health. He fought drug abuse, alcoholism, depression, and had a common history of suicide attempts. Hatton made some efforts to resolve his problems and consulted a professional for help. He has in media interviews, disclosed attempts to mend bad family ties.
He said in 2016, “I was spiraling out of control with my drinking, which led to drug use. It felt like a runaway train.”
Legacy: Impact Beyond the Ring
Hatton was charismatic and spirited within the boxing community worldwide. His strength and impact on the new generation were emphasised by fans and colleagues. The effusion of tributes ratified the influence of Hatton. His ascendency encouraged British warriors. He gave a new light to boxing with his high energy style and fan base.
Hatton retired in 2012, and he won several world titles. He subsequently trained young warriors, became a boxing promoter and continued to stay in the sporting fraternity.
Continued Updates Expected
The boxing world is saddened by the death of a champion and mentor, Hatton. More updates on the cause of death are likely to be available. The faithfulness of Ricky Hatton is their success both in and out of the ring.
