Ricky Hatton, who won multiple world championships during his 15-year professional boxing career from 1997 to 2012, has died.
Hatton, a native of Stockport, England, was found dead at his home in Hyde Sunday morning, according to local authorities. A cause of death has not been confirmed, but Hatton’s death is reportedly not being treated as suspicious.
“Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6.45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances,” Greater Manchester Police said, via Sky Sports.
Prior to his death, Hatton was scheduled to make a return to the ring for an event in Dubai later this year.
A sterling resume in the ring
Hatton held title belts in light-welterweight and welterweight during his career. In 2005, he defeated Kostya Tszyu to win the IBF, Ring and lineal titles.
Overall, Hatton finished 45-3 as a pro fighter with 32 knockouts. His resume included wins over Tszyu, Paulie Malignaggi, Juan Urango and Jose Luis Castillo and also faced Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquaio.
Tributes have been pouring in
A legend in his home nation, Hatton has been the subject of a vast array of tributes since news of his death went public.
“Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior,” wrote another former British boxing star, Amir Khan.
“The guy was a warrior, that’s why fans loved to watch him in the ring. He gave everything to that sport,” said Irish soccer legend Roy Keane. “They thought so highly of him and he left everything in the ring. Absolutely shocking news.”
“We forget what people did or said, but we never forget how they made us feel,” said Fight Disciples’ Adam Catterall. “Ricky Hatton was the business. I followed him as a fan. I interviewed him as a pro. I had a bevy with him as an acquaintance. Never was a signature song more appropriate. There’s ONLY one.”
“Everybody loved Ricky. May he rest in eternal peace. Our deepest condolences to Campbell, Matthew and all of the Hatton family,” said British boxing promoted Eddie Hearn.
A candid champion
Over the years, Hatton spoke openly about his battles with drugs and alcohol, as well as his struggles with mental health.
“I was coming off the rails with my drinking and that led to drugs. It was like a runaway train,” he told BBC Radio in 2016.
Hatton’s willingness to discuss his problems earned him immense respect and admiration from his fans and public.
