Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 45 after being found deceased in his Manchester home. Authorities confirmed his death is not under investigation.
Boxing figures expressed sorrow over the loss, with Amir Khan paying tribute on social media. “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,” Khan wrote.
Manny Pacquiao also shared condolences, stating, “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.”
Hatton, a former light-welterweight and welterweight champion, amassed 45 wins in 48 professional bouts over 15 years. His career included high-profile fights against Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny Pacquiao. He last fought in 2012, losing via knockout to Vyacheslav Senchenko.
A life-long Manchester City supporter, the club honored Hatton with a “minute of appreciation” during a derby against Manchester United. Frank Warren, his former manager, praised him as a “superbly talented fighter who inspired a generation of young boxers and fans in a way very few had done before.”
Hatton was preparing for a comeback bout in Dubai in December 2023. He was named Fighter of the Year in 2005 by multiple boxing organizations and secured multiple world titles during his career.