Boxing legend Ricky Hatton dies at 46 in Greater Manchester home 

PFA Awards 2025 – Arrivals - Source: Getty
PFA Awards 2025 – Arrivals - Source: Getty

The former boxing champion, popularly known as Hitman, Ricky Hatton, has passed away at the age of 46. His body was discovered back at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on the morning of September 14, 2025. Reports by Reuters suggest that the Greater Manchester Police state that this death doesn't strike them as suspicious.

Hatton was known by many as "The Hitman." He had won world titles in two weight classes: light-welterweight and welterweight. Over his 15-year professional career, Hatton fought 48 times. He won 45 of those matches. In recent months, he had announced plans to return to boxing. The comeback fight was due to happen in December in Dubai.


Details of Ricky Hatton's death

Reports by Reuters further suggest that in a statement, Greater Manchester Police said that they were called to Hatton’s home at 6:45 AM on Sunday. His body was found on Bowlacre Road, Hyde, and after checking, the officers confirmed that the body was of a 46-year-old man. They said that,

"The death is not being treated as suspicious"

People from the boxing world and beyond are reacting with sadness. Fellow boxers, promoters, and fans paid tribute to Hatton. Many spoke of his impact in the ring and his courage outside it. Manchester City Football Club also said there will be a minute’s silence of appreciation at their match ahead of the Manchester derby.

Ricky Hatton & Vyacheslav Senchenko Weigh In - Source: Getty
Ricky Hatton & Vyacheslav Senchenko Weigh In - Source: Getty

Ricky Hatton's career, struggles, and legacy

Ricky Hatton was a brilliant boxer. During that time, many people thought that he was the best English boxer ever. Hatton was a fighter of the sort who had some riotous fights, and in fact, his defeats also defined his career. The fights with Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny Pacquiao are some of the biggest names in boxing that he faced. Nevertheless, almost every Hatton fan will remember his real victory over Tszyu in 2005 as probably the greatest.

After retirement, Hatton became very open about his personal struggles. He suffered through depression, alcoholism, and drug addiction. He claimed to have tried to take his own life several times.

Even as he faced hard times, Ricky Hatton remained a trainer and mentor to other fighters. He also kept a strong connection to fans. The planned comeback in December had excited many. Hatton was to fight Eisa Al Dah in Dubai. Some had worries about his decision, given his health history. But Hatton had said he was looking forward to it.

Ricky Hatton’s death is a shock to boxing and to his fans. He was more than a boxer. He was someone many people felt close to because he showed his real self. He had made mistakes and had fights he lost, but he also had many wins. He had many moments of hope. In his passing, many will think about both his battles and triumphs. The name "The Hitman" will not be forgotten.

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Edited by Debanjana