Former world champion Ricky Hatton found dead at 46 amid plans for Dubai comeback
Hatton had been due to fly to Dubai to sign for an exhibition fight, had recently attended a friend's funeral and had spoken openly about past mental health struggles
Former world light-welterweight and welterweight champion Ricky Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde on Sunday morning, British media reported, hours before he was due to fly to Dubai to sign a contract for an exhibition fight.
Hatton, 46, had been due to travel on Monday to finalise terms for a December exhibition bout in the United Arab Emirates, the Daily Mail reported. Friends and family raised the alarm after he failed to attend a boxing event in Manchester on Saturday night and did not make contact. His long-serving manager, Paul Speak, was reported by BBC commentator Steve Bunce to have discovered Hatton's body at the property on Sunday. Police said they were not treating the death as suspicious, and the local coroner had not disclosed a preliminary cause.
In the days before his death, Hatton had been grieving the sudden death of a friend, David Leigh, who was found dead on Aug. 6. Friends said Hatton attended Leigh's funeral and posted on Instagram that he wished his friend "could have reached out to us mate. See you shortly." An inquest into Leigh's death was opened on Aug. 21, with the provisional cause of death given as hanging, according to reports.
A fellow boxer and friend, Stacey Copeland, told a BBC programme that Hatton was last seen at his gym on Thursday, where the two joked about Hatton's age and Hatton mentioned having "a problem with his elbow." Copeland said Hatton "seemed himself" during that conversation. The Daily Mail reported that Hatton had been due to sign a contract to fight UAE fighter Eisa Al Dah in December.
Hatton's parents, Carol and Ray, issued an emotional statement describing him as "so much more than a world champion" and saying he was "a loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many." The statement added that the family had been moved by the "overwhelming outpouring of love and support" but did not disclose a cause of death.
The 46-year-old, known as "The Hitman," rose from humble beginnings in Manchester to become one of Britain's most popular fighters, remaining unbeaten in his first 43 professional fights and winning world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight. His most high-profile defeats came against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009. In interviews in later years Hatton described how those losses precipitated prolonged struggles with mental health, alcohol and drug use.
Hatton openly recounted his battles with addiction and suicidal thoughts in a 2022 interview with the BBC, saying he had tried to kill himself several times and had considered drinking and drugging himself to death after hitting what he described as "rock bottom." He had previously entered rehabilitation and later became an advocate for mental health, speaking about his own experiences to encourage others to seek help.
Tributes were paid by figures across sport and entertainment. Former England forward Wayne Rooney, who previously joined Hatton in the ring for a title presentation in Las Vegas, said he was devastated by the news. Boxing colleagues and broadcasters also expressed shock and sorrow at the loss of a prominent British sporting figure.
Hatton's career generated an ardent fan base with his aggressive, pressure-fighting style and high-profile bouts that attracted large followings both in the U.K. and abroad. He was widely admired for his candour about the personal challenges that followed his rise to fame.
Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances of Hatton's death. Police and coroner's offices said enquiries remain ongoing. Paul Speak, Hatton's manager for about 25 years, was reported to be a close friend and confidant who had supported him through much of his career.
The discovery of Hatton's body comes amid renewed discussion in boxing and wider sport about mental health support for athletes during and after their careers. Hatton's public accounts of rehabilitation and advocacy had made him a notable figure in those conversations.
Further statements from family and official confirmations regarding the cause of death are expected as inquiries proceed.