Ricky Hatton, former two-weight world champion, found dead at 46

Ricky Hatton, the former two-weight world boxing champion known as the "Hitman," was found dead at his home in Manchester on Sunday. He was 46.

Hatton spoke with the Daily Mail seven days before his death, telling the paper he was in good spirits after being honoured with the Freedom of the City of Manchester and discussing plans for "one last night" in the ring this December. In that interview he described the civic recognition as "a massive honour" and reflected on a career that began when he first went to the gym as a 10-year-old.

A popular figure in British boxing, Hatton won world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight and fought some of the sport's top names, including Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. He described the 2005 victory over Kostya Tszyu as his greatest night, saying at the time, "Nobody gave me a chance," and crediting only himself and his trainer, Billy Graham, with believing he could pull off the win.

Hatton remained a vocal presence in the sport after his peak years. In his final interview he welcomed the revival of big-time boxing in Saudi Arabia while urging that revenue reach smaller promoters, and dismissed crossover spectacles such as Floyd Mayweather v Mike Tyson as "a joke." He was preparing for an exhibition bout in Dubai against Eisa Al-Harbi and said the process of training gave him purpose; a similar return to the ring for an exhibition against Marco Barrera in 2022 had, he said, improved his mental health.

Those conversations with the media followed more candid discussions Hatton had shared privately about persistent mental-health struggles. He told the Daily Mail that after his loss to Mayweather he had suffered deep embarrassment and despair, experienced suicidal thoughts and sought help from a psychiatrist. He said he often shielded his family from the worst of his struggles but used his platform to encourage others to seek help, adding, "If I help only one person, it's all been worthwhile."

Hatton spoke frequently about his family, in particular his son, Campbell, a former professional fighter who has pursued his own career in the sport. Hatton said the prospect of not being there to watch his children grow had given him urgency as a father. "I will hammer Campbell every day asking if he's okay," he told the Daily Mail, saying he wanted his son to learn from the mistakes he had made, including periods of weight gain and pressure that followed high-profile losses.

Manchester officials and people in the boxing community expressed shock and sadness at the news, reflecting on Hatton's appeal both as a fighter and a local figure. He was remembered for his workmanlike fighting style, his success in filling arenas, and his connection with fans who saw him as "one of the lads." In interviews and public appearances he often spoke about perceived injustices in the sport, the treatment of fighters by promoters, and the need for better mental-health support.

No cause of death had been announced by authorities as of the time of publication. Hatton's passing prompted tributes in Manchester and across the boxing world, where he was regarded as one of Britain's most prominent fighters of his generation.

Hatton's career combined sporting achievement and high public profile: from his rise in Hyde to world titles and headline fights in Las Vegas and Manchester, to later efforts to return to the ring and to speak openly about the pressures athletes face. His family, fans and colleagues are expected to release further statements as details emerge.