Ricky Hatton, beloved British boxing champion, dies; remembered for courage and candour

Ricky Hatton, one of Britain's most popular boxers and a former IBF light-welterweight world champion, has died, news of his death broke on Sunday. Hatton was widely remembered for his relentless fighting style, his connection to Manchester and his openness about struggles with addiction and mental health.

Oliver Holt, the sports columnist who wrote about Hatton's career and friendship with the fighter, described him as "The People's Champion" and said he loved being around Hatton. Holt recalled Hatton's performance in early June 2005 at the Manchester Evening News Arena when Hatton defeated Kostya Tszyu, saying it was "the best fight I've ever seen" and that Hatton's resilience that night made him appear "immortal."

Hatton's career included high-profile fights against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, and he faced opponents such as Juan Urango and Jose Luis Castillo. Holt wrote that Hatton's performance against Tszyu — when Tszyu quit on his stool after absorbing repeated pressure — remains among the most awe-inspiring nights of British boxing. Hatton turned walk-ins and weigh-ins into spectator events and attracted large followings; Holt said more than 30,000 of his fans travelled with him to Las Vegas for some fights.

A native of the Manchester area, Hatton maintained close ties to his roots throughout his career. Holt noted that the music accompanying his ring walk was "Blue Moon," a song associated with Manchester City, and that many of Hatton's supporters were City fans. Manchester City organised a tribute to Hatton ahead of the derby on Sunday, a move Holt called "fitting and right."

Holt and others who knew Hatton said his public persona masked private struggles. After retirement, Hatton spoke candidly about missing the discipline and adrenaline of competition, and about his battles with weight, alcohol and mental health. Holt recounted a night in Runcorn eight years prior when Hatton performed a stand-up routine at a Royal British Legion club, introducing himself as "Ricky Hatton, fresh out of rehab," and discussing his difficulties with the glare of public attention.

Hatton told the audience in Runcorn, according to Holt, that he found it hard to attend big fights because the roar of the crowd "cripples" him and that he missed the fear and euphoria of being in the ring. He spoke openly about attempting suicide, saying, "I felt like a fraud. I felt I had let everyone down. I was very poorly. I couldn't kill myself, so I thought I would drink myself to death." Holt said Hatton used humour in public appearances to deflect pity and to connect with fans.

BBC boxing analyst Steve Bunce paid tribute to Hatton's candour, telling radio listeners that Hatton's willingness to speak about his demons would be as lasting a legacy as his achievements in the ring.

Hatton's popularity within British boxing was notable. Holt wrote that he was more popular than other British fighters of his era, including Lennox Lewis and Amir Khan, and that he commanded a large press and fan presence when he fought internationally. Holt described Hatton as having "the courage of a pride of lions" and "the humility of an average Joe," adding that fame had not changed the way Hatton treated people.

Holt also recalled lighter moments and Hatton's affinity for pub life. He described Hatton's participation in local pub contests on the outskirts of Manchester and an anecdote after the Castillo fight in Las Vegas in which Hatton apologised to the press for his dishevelled appearance, joking that he had spent the night with "Mr Guinness and Mr Black."

Hatton's relationship with his father, Ray, and other personal difficulties were also part of his public narrative, Holt wrote, and those close to him said some struggles became more evident after he left competitive boxing and the spotlight receded. Holt described Hatton as someone who did not hide from his problems and who spoke about losses and setbacks, including his defeats to Mayweather and Pacquiao, with candid reflection.

Hatton had remained a fixture in the United Kingdom's boxing memory as both a fighter and a personality who bridged elite competition and working-class roots. Holt said it was "one of the great honours of a life spent in sport" to have spent time with Hatton outside the ring and praised his lack of artifice.

Officials, friends and fans paid tribute in the hours after news of Hatton's death. Tributes highlighted his fighting spirit, his connection to Manchester and his role in raising awareness about mental health in and beyond the boxing community. Steve Bunce's on-air tribute framed Hatton's openness about his struggles as part of his legacy, while Manchester City moved to honour him before the derby.

Details surrounding Hatton's death, including cause and exact circumstances, were not included in the initial reports cited by Holt. Further statements from Hatton's family, representatives or medical authorities had not been published at the time of Holt's column.

Hatton's career and life remain subjects of reflection in British sport. He will be remembered for his 2005 victory over Tszyu, his unmistakable connection with fans, and for speaking publicly about the challenges that followed his time at the top of boxing.