Ricky Hatton, former world boxing champion, found dead at 46
Greater Manchester police say no suspicious circumstances; the Manchester-born fighter had announced a comeback and posted training footage days earlier
Former world champion Ricky Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday morning, police said, in a development that has prompted tributes from fans and fellow fighters.
Greater Manchester Police said officers were called by a member of the public to attend 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 force spokesperson said.
Hatton rose from a working-class childhood on the Hattersley estate near Stockport to become one of Britain's best-known boxers. Over a 15-year professional career he won multiple world and U.K. titles and compiled a record of 45 victories in 48 professional bouts. His most notable wins include victories over Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, and he captured the WBA light-welterweight title by defeating Carlos Maussa. He lost to Floyd Mayweather in a high-profile fight in Las Vegas in 2007.
Born in October 1978, Hatton grew up in an environment he later described as "rough and ready" but full of community spirit. His parents, Carol and Ray Hatton, owned several pubs, including one on the Hattersley estate. They set up a gym in the cellar of that pub when he was 12, and Hatton said patrons would come down to cheer him on as he trained. He credited the work ethic instilled by those early years, and by heavy lifting while working with his father in the carpet fitting trade, with building the strength and determination that carried him through his career.
Hatton received an MBE for services to sport in 2007. After retiring as a fighter he moved into coaching and community work, serving as a patron of the Manchester homeless charity Barnabus. He remained a prominent figure in Manchester and was a well-known supporter of Manchester City. Friends said he had a corporate hospitality table for the derby at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
In July Hatton announced plans to return to the ring, telling followers he had a fight scheduled for December. He posted footage of an intense punching-bag session just two days before his death, writing in the caption that he was training hard for the comeback. Friends were reportedly concerned when Hatton did not appear at an event featuring one of his boxers the previous evening.
Hatton's life included public struggles with mental health and addiction. He spoke openly about depression and past suicide attempts, including times he said he hit "rock bottom" after his loss in Las Vegas and amid personal and professional turmoil. He reconciled with his parents in 2019 after an estrangement that lasted almost a decade and later said the birth of his daughter Millie in 2012 helped him refocus his life.
He is survived by his son Campbell and daughters Millie and Fearne. Campbell, a former boxer, retired in July at age 24 to become a solar panel installer, according to friends and family.
Hatton remained connected to his roots even after achieving fame. He returned to Hattersley often, and a block of flats there was renamed Hatton Court in his honour. He also described the area’s darker notorieties from past crimes, saying they formed part of the landscape of a place he nonetheless called home.
Friends, former opponents and local officials have begun to post tributes on social media, recalling Hatton’s aggressive fighting style, his popularity with fans in Britain and abroad, and his community work in Manchester. Authorities have said they will not be treating the death as suspicious while inquiries continue. Further updates are pending from police and Hatton’s family.