Manchester City to Honour Ricky Hatton with Minute’s Applause and Black Armbands in Derby

Manchester City said it will honour former world champion boxer and lifelong City supporter Ricky Hatton with a minute’s applause and black armbands at Sunday’s Manchester derby after the 46-year-old was found dead at his home.

Greater Manchester Police said officers attended a property on Bowlacre Road in Hyde, Tameside, at about 6:45 a.m. and found the body of a 46-year-old man. The force said there are no current indications of suspicious circumstances.

In a club statement, Manchester City described Hatton as “devastating” news and called him “an icon of British boxing” and “one of City’s most loved and revered supporters.” The club said players from both Manchester City and Manchester United would wear black armbands and a minute’s appreciation would take place ahead of the match at the Etihad Stadium. Hatton had been due to attend the fixture in hospitality and was well known to staff at the club.

Nicknamed “The Hitman,” Hatton won 45 of 48 professional bouts across a 15‑year career and held world titles at light‑welterweight and welterweight. His most notable victories included wins over Kostya Tszyu to claim the IBF light‑welterweight title and a stoppage of Jose Luis Castillo. He famously drew a large British following to Las Vegas for his 2007 fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and fulfilled a long‑held ambition by fighting Juan Lazcano in front of about 55,000 supporters at Manchester City’s stadium in 2008.

Hatton was awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2007. After retiring from boxing he moved into coaching and had announced a planned return to the ring, with a bout scheduled in Dubai in December, according to reported plans.

Former City defender Micah Richards said the news was “devastating” and described Hatton as “an icon” and “a man of the people.” Roy Keane, speaking ahead of the derby, called Hatton “a warrior” who “gave everything for that sport.” Former player and pundit Stan Collymore said Hatton’s openness about mental‑health struggles had helped many.

Hatton’s career included highs and lows that were widely reported. After his victory over Tszyu in 2005 he added a WBA title later that year and was named Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year. He later moved up to welterweight, claimed the WBA belt there, suffered a high‑profile loss to Mayweather in 2007 and was knocked out by Manny Pacquiao in 2009. He announced retirements and comeback attempts over the following decade and had publicly acknowledged battles with depression and substance problems, which at one point led to a period in rehabilitation and the temporary withdrawal of his boxer’s licence.

Hatton is survived by his son Campbell, two daughters, Millie and Fearne, and a granddaughter, Lyla. Friends had reportedly raised concerns when Hatton did not appear last night at a fight involving one of his boxers.

Greater Manchester Police said inquiries are ongoing; however, no criminality is suspected at this stage. The club said everyone at Manchester City extended their condolences to Hatton’s family and friends.

For those affected by the issues Hatton discussed publicly, a helpline is available: Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or at samaritans.org, and the CALM helpline is available at thecalmzone.net/get-support.