Ricky Hatton, beloved two-weight world champion, dies at 46

Ricky Hatton, the popular British boxer who won world titles in two weight divisions and became one of the sport’s best‑loved personalities, has died at the age of 46, the BBC reported.

Hatton rose from a working‑class upbringing in Greater Manchester to become a national figure, known for an aggressive, fan‑friendly style that filled arenas in Britain and drew huge followings abroad. He compiled a professional record of 45 wins and three defeats, and his fights against Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao were among the most watched of his era.

Born in Stockport in 1978 and raised on a Hyde council estate, Hatton first boxed at Sale West Amateur Boxing Club before turning professional. He worked in a makeshift gym in a family pub basement and carried the blue‑collar identity that endeared him to fans. Early mentorship from trainer Billy Graham helped shape him, and Hatton and Graham often spoke about fighting in New York and Las Vegas as a shared ambition.

Hatton's breakthrough came at light‑welterweight. In 2005 he stunned the boxing world by beating Kostya Tszyu to claim the IBF title, a victory staged in the early hours in Britain to suit American TV and that has been described as a landmark moment in modern British boxing. He later moved up to welterweight and beat Luis Collazo to win the WBA title, becoming a two‑division world champion.

An estimated 30,000 fans are said to have travelled to Las Vegas for Hatton’s 2007 bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr., and the Mancunian’s support was widely noted for turning parts of the city into a sea of British supporters. Hatton gave Mayweather a tough fight before being stopped in the 10th round; the defeat prompted a split with trainer Graham and marked the start of a series of personal and financial struggles for Hatton.

He suffered a further high‑profile defeat to Manny Pacquiao in 2009. In later interviews Hatton spoke openly about mental‑health problems, addiction and suicidal thoughts that followed the decline from the peak of his career.

Despite personal difficulties, Hatton remained closely involved in boxing after his retirement from active competition. He worked as a trainer, manager and promoter, guiding family members into the sport, including his son Campbell and his brother Matthew. His professional ring record finished with 45 victories and three losses, two of which were to fighters later widely regarded as all‑time greats.

Hatton became a celebrated figure in Manchester beyond the ring. A lifelong Manchester City supporter, he headlined a show at the club’s stadium and counted Oasis members Noel and Liam Gallagher among his friends; the Gallagher brothers even carried Hatton’s belts into the ring for his fight in Las Vegas against Paulie Malignaggi.

Hatton was a devoted father to his children, Campbell, Millie and Fearne, and became a grandfather in 2018. In 2012 he made a short‑lived comeback that ended with a knockout loss to Vyacheslav Senchenko. He had continued to work in the sport up until his death and was reported to have had a comeback fight planned for Dubai in December.

Colleagues, former opponents and the British boxing community remembered Hatton for his combative in‑ring style, his rapport with ordinary fans and his willingness to speak about personal struggles. He was often introduced by supporters chanting, "There is, and there will always be, only one Ricky Hatton," a refrain that underlined his status as a cultural as well as sporting figure in Britain.

Hatton’s career and life combined sporting success with personal highs and lows, and his influence on British boxing extended beyond his achievements as a fighter to his later roles mentoring younger boxers. He died aged 46, leaving a legacy as one of Britain’s most recognisable and emotionally resonant sporting figures.