Ricky Hatton dies aged 46; Manchester to pay tribute at derby
Boxing great found dead at his home in Hyde; Manchester City to hold a minute's applause and both sides to wear black armbands
Ricky Hatton, the former world-class boxer, was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester on Sunday, police and local officials said, prompting plans for a citywide tribute at Manchester's derby match.
Greater Manchester Police said officers were called by a member of the public to Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6.45 a.m., where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. "There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances," a police spokesman said. A cordon remained in place at Hatton's address as fans gathered to pay their respects.
Manchester City announced it would hold a minute's applause ahead of Sunday’s derby with Manchester United and that players from both clubs would wear black armbands. The club shared a black-and-white image of Hatton and described him as "one of City's most loved and revered supporters." Club officials said Hatton was known to staff at the Etihad and had been due to sit in hospitality for the match.
Supporters gathered outside Hatton's home, which has been referred to as "The Heartbreak," leaving flowers, boxing gloves and messages. People who knew him and figures from across sport paid tribute on social media and in person. Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney said he was "devastated," calling Hatton "a legend, a warrior, and a great person" and offering his thoughts to Hatton's family. Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards described the news as "devastating" and said Hatton was "a man of the people." Roy Keane, speaking ahead of the derby, called Hatton "a warrior" who "gave everything for that sport."
Hatton, often referred to by his nickname "The Hitman," rose to prominence in British boxing in the late 1990s and 2000s and was widely regarded as one of the country's best fighters. The notes accompanying tributes included an image of Hatton in the ring after a victory over Jose Luis Castillo, which was highlighted by those remembering his career.
The outpouring of grief from fans, fellow athletes and former opponents reflected Hatton's status as a national sporting figure and a local icon in Manchester. Organisers and clubs moved quickly on Sunday to ensure a formal acknowledgment of his death at the derby, with the minute’s applause intended as a mark of respect amid an expected sombre atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed the discovery and said inquiries were ongoing. No further details were released by authorities on Sunday. Hatton's death will be subject to further official processes, and local officials asked for privacy for the family and those close to him while investigations continue.
As tributes continued to appear, fans and figures from the sporting world prepared for the derby to reflect on Hatton's life and career. The minute's applause and black armbands are expected to be the principal public acknowledgements at the match, while a wider programme of tributes and statements from across boxing and sport may follow as details emerge and the family issues an official statement.