Ricky Hatton, the former world boxing champion, has died aged 46 – just weeks after announcing his dramatic return to the ring.
The boxing icon was found at his home in Greater Manchester this morning, where a police cordon currently sits outside, and his death is not being treated as suspicious.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: ‘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.’
Daily Mail Sport understands that friends were initially concerned last night, when Hatton failed to appear at a fight involving one of his boxers, while he also failed to show up at the gym on Friday.
After retiring from the ring, he had moved in to coaching but was due to return to the sport with a fight planned in Dubai in December.
Hatton, who was awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2007, had often spoken of his struggles with mental health and drug addiction.
But his good friend, boxing pundit Steve Bunce, today revealed he ‘was in a really good place’ after ‘facing, attacking and solving’ his addictions.
A huge Manchester City supporter, Hatton was due to be at the Etihad Stadium for this afternoon’s derby with Manchester United, and had a table in a corporate hospitality area.
He was also an avid Oasis fan and one of his most memorable moments was when Noel and Liam Gallagher walked him into the ring holding his world title belts before his 2008 bout against Paulie Malignaggi in Las Vegas.
Nicknamed ‘the Hitman’, Hatton was an aggressive and brave fighter who held multiple world and UK titles during his career between 1997 and 2012. He had one son, Campbell, who retired from boxing at 24 to become a solar panel installer in July, and two daughters, Millie and Fearne.Â
British boxing icon Ricky Hatton has died aged 46. He is pictured here at the PFA Awards 2025 at Manchester Opera House on August 19Â
The boxing icon was found at his home in Greater Manchester this morning, where a police cordon currently sits outside. He had a Manchester City flag in the front garden
Oasis brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher walked Ricky Hatton into the ring holding his belts in 2008. Here, they celebrate with him after he defeated Paulie Malignaggi in Las Vegas
Ricky Hatton fights Floyd Mayweather at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2007
The British boxing icon celebrates after winning the WBA light-welterweight title when he defeated Carlos Maussa
He won 45 of his 48 professional bouts during a stellar 15-year career. Among his career highlights were defeating Russia’s Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, but he also suffered heartbreak when he lost to Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.Â
In July, Hatton – who would have turned 47 next month – announced his return to boxing, with a fight against United Arab Emirates’ Eisa Al Dah scheduled for December 2 in Dubai.
Just two days ago, Hatton had shared footage of him training intensely with a punching bag as he readied himself for his return to boxing. He captioned it: ‘Thursday session in the bag. #hitman #bluemoon #getupthereboy.’Â
Boxers past and present today led tributes to Hatton as they mourned the loss of ‘one of Britain’s greatest boxers’.Â
Former world champion Amir Khan wrote: ‘Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.’
Chris Eubank Jr said: ‘Rest in peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you.’
Tyson Fury posted two pictures of he and Hatton on Instagram and wrote: ‘Can’t believe this.
‘Rip to the legend @rickyhatton may he rip. There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this so young.’
Actor Ray Winstone also paid tribute, writing: ‘Shocking news, feel like I’ve been punch in the stomach. I never even had the pleasure of meeting him but I still feel like I know him. A great champion in the ring and of the people. My deepest sympathies to his family. Rest in peace Champ�� gone far too early.’
Piers Morgan tweeted: ‘RIP Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton, 46. Found dead at his home in Manchester, police say no suspicious circumstances. What incredibly sad news.’
And Sacha Lord, Manchester’s nighttime economy advisor and owner of The Warehouse Project, said: ‘RIP Ricky Hatton. A gentle giant and absolute legend.’ He called for a minute’s silence to be held at today’s derby match between Hatton’s beloved Manchester City and Manchester United in his honour.
Hatton rose through amateur and domestic levels to pit his wits against the best boxers of his generation.
But his down-to-earth demeanour also endeared him to fans across the world, and he was open about the mental health issues he endured upon his retirement from the ring.
He had previously spoken of his battle with depression and revealed that he had attempted suicide on multiple occasions.
Nine years ago he told the BBC: ‘I tried to kill myself several times. I used to go to the pub, come back, take the knife out and sit there in the dark crying hysterically.’
Ricky Hatton with his son Campbell during a public workout at the National Football Museum in Manchester in October 2024
Just two days ago, Hatton had shared footage of him training. He had a fight coming up in December
Ricky Hatton and his ex Jennifer Dooley after he was awarded his MBE at Buckingham Palace, London, in 2007
Ricky Hatton was most recently in a relationship with actress Claire Sweeney (pictured together)
But the couple ended their relationship after eight months. They began dating in secret after starring on ITV’s Dancing On Ice, Pictured: Ricky Hatton and Claire Sweeney
Hatton also enjoyed a relationship with beauty therapist Angela Blemmings (seen with the Hitman) in 2022 when he was preparing for his comeback fight against Marco Antonio Barrera
Ricky’s relationship with Playboy model Chelsea Claire (pictured together) ended up as ‘more of a fling’ in the second half of 2023
Hatton added: ‘There were times when I hadn’t had a drink for days and I’d still come home and if something went through my mind I’d start pondering something. It was the same outcome whether I was having a drink or wasn’t having a drink.
‘But in the end I thought I’ll end up drinking myself to death because I was so miserable. I was coming off the rails with my drinking and that led to drugs. It was like a runaway train.’
Police are now thought to be working with Hatton’s family over the issuing of a tribute.
Hatton also overcame a fallout with his family and a court case with his former trainer Billy Graham to become a successful trainer, coaching Zhanat Zhakiyanov to a world bantamweight title win in 2017.
In 2023, he released a personal documentary in which charted his journey from the Hattersley estate near Manchester to headlining on the Las Vegas strip.
Hatton’s battle with mental health features prominently in the film and talked about the ‘depression, addiction and shame’ that followed his defeats by Mayweather and Pacquiao.
It candidly revealed how the estrangement from his family for nearly a decade and the split from his coach pushed him to his absolute rock bottom.
But boxing pundit Bunce today revealed that Hatton was in a much better place.
He told Radio 5Live: ‘It’s an unbelievably shocking piece of news, he has had some troubles Rick, he has talked about his mental health problems, he’s talked about his addictions, he’s faced them and attacked them and solved them, he was in a really good place.
‘He was preparing for an exhibition fight, the gym has been his salvation. He was getting his head and body in a better place.
‘He didn’t show up on Friday at the gym and he was meant to be at a fight last night and he didn’t show up at the fight.
‘It’s shocking news, had it been ten years ago when he was in the darkest place a man could be in, it would have been understandable but I’m generally shocked and amazed by it.
Welterweight boxer Ricky Hatton of Great Britain at the Mottram and Hattersley ABC in Manchester in 1999
Ricky ‘the Hitman’ Hatton lands a punch on Kostya Tszyu in June 2005. In one of the biggest ever upsets, Hatton won
Ricky Hatton celebrates defeating Mexico’s Jose Luis Castillo after a fourth round stoppage in Las Vegas in 2007
Ricky Hatton lands a right to the face of Juan Urango in the fourth round of their IBF Jr. welterweight title boxing match in Las Vegas in 2007
‘If you look at any images of him from the last two or three weeks its as good as he’s looked in 15 years, that’s why this will be an even bigger shock.’
He said he thought Hatton had faced his demons and come through. ‘My first reaction was I didn’t believe it,’ he added.
A clearly emotional Bunce said Hatton’s success was down to his ‘pure determination and desire.’
‘If he won there was nothing left, if he lost there was nothing left, he gave everything in both victory and defeat,’ he added.
‘He was a massive inspiration on both sides of the ropes.’
During the film, Hatton said: ‘I was champion four times over but I consider myself a failure. I wasn’t supposed to end this way.’Â
At the time of his official retirement, Hatton said: ‘A fighter knows when it’s not there, and it’s not there. I’ve had too many fights and burnt the candles at both ends.
‘I’ve lost four and half stone for this and my sparring was great but I’m not going to put myself through that torture again.
RIcky Hatton is pictured in 2018 – following the Ultimate Boxxer Launch at the ME London Hotel
Ricky Hatton and Robin Johnstone during the former boxer’s appearance on Dancing on Ice
‘I got the answers. I was crying in the ring and no doubt I’ll be crying tonight but I’m happy. I had to go in there and find out and I did.
‘I’ve no complaints. It’s been three and a half years and you all know the story. I needed to put a few demons to rest and I said before the fight I felt I’d already won and that hasn’t changed.’
In his early 20s, Hatton had a brief relationship with a woman known only as Claire, who went on to have his boxer son, Campbell – born on January 9, 2001.
His longest relationship was with Jennifer Dooley between 2005 to 2016.
Ms Dooley was there for some of the highest points of his career, seeing him win or retain multiple world titles as well as being there for the presentation of his MBE in 2007’s New Year Honours.
Hatton proposed to her on Valentine’s Day of 2009.
He fatefully named the couple’s Cheshire house the ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ after Elvis Presley’s hit track.
But in 2010, Irish boxing champion Emma Bowe revealed that she had been having an 11-month affair with the boxer after getting his autograph in Dublin.
A rocky period between Ms Dooley and Hatton after the fighter’s retirement in 2012 included him moving in and out of their £3 million home a number of times.
A December 2013 holiday bust-up led to Hatton moving out. But after moving back in again months later, in June 2014, he then left for a second time after going AWOL during a boozy trip to Lanzarote.
But their turbulent year was put behind them in the New Year when they went on holiday to Tenerife with their two daughters, Millie, 11, and Fearne, 10.
In 2016, however, another string of drink-fuelled nights out for Hatton put a final end to his 11-year relationship, after he was pictured looking worse for wear partying with other girls in his arms.
He said of Ms Dooley: ‘It’s very upsetting when you’ve been in such a long-term relationship and it comes to an end.
‘I can’t deny there are times I have found things difficult.’
He had a flurry of romances with women, ranging from Playboy models to beauty therapists, but he had most recently been in a relationship with actress Claire Sweeney.
The couple began secretly dating after starring on ITV’s Dancing on Ice together and enjoying a holiday to Tenerife.
Coronation Street actress Ms Sweeney previously explained she and Ricky had known each other for 25 years before sparks flew between them while the boxing champion said it was ‘nice’ they were able to connect following the end of their respective relationships.
But the Mail revealed in December how they had split after eight months after deciding they were ‘better off as pals’.Â
Hatton’s imposing five-bedroom house, near Hyde, Stockport, is currently on the market for £1.75million.
The property, named ‘The Heartbreak’, has a flag of his Manchester City team on the driveway.
The gates to the house were initially open around 11am this morning but were later closed. Three plain-clothed officers entered the mansion and stayed for 15 minutes.
It is believed Hatton put the property up for sale after splitting with Ms Sweeney.
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-supportÂ
RICKY ‘THE HITMAN’ HATTONÂ
1978 – October 6: Born in Stockport, Greater Manchester.
1996 – Captures bronze medal at the World Amateur Championships.
1997 – September 11: Makes professional debut under the guidance of trainer Billy Graham and knocks out Colin McAuley in the first round at Kingsway Leisure Centre in Widnes.
1999 – Claims first pro title with a second-round TKO win against Tommy Peacock for the vacant Central Area light-welterweight title.
2000 – October 21: Beats Jon Thaxton on points to win the British light-welterweight title.
2001 – March 26: Wins vacant ‘fringe’ WBU light-welterweight title with fourth-round stoppage of Tony Pep.
2002 – June 1: Suffers first knockdown of his career in opening round against Eamonn Magee, but battles back to win on points.
2005Â – June 4: Shocks the world by beating Kostya Tszyu, considered one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, in Manchester, winning the IBF light-welterweight title.
November 26: Overcomes nasty cuts to beat Carlos Maussa and add WBA crown to his IBF title.
December 21: Becomes first British fighter to receive the prestigious Ring Magazine ‘Fighter of the Year’ award.
2006 – Moves up to welterweight division and labours to victory against Luis Collazo, claiming the WBA title.
December: Awarded MBE in New Year’s Honours list.
2007 – January 20: Knocks out Jose Luis Castillo, retaining IBO belt and winning WBC international light-welterweight title, which was later vacated.
June: Hatton’s team agree terms with the camp of Floyd Mayweather for a December 8 fight in Las Vegas.
December 8: Knocked out in the 10th round by Mayweather in the first defeat of his professional career.
2008 – May 24: Retains IBO light-welterweight title by securing a unanimous points verdict against Juan Lazcano in front of 55,000 supporters at Manchester City’s Eastlands stadium.
July 29: Announces split from long-time trainer Billy Graham.
September 3: Announces he will be trained by Floyd Mayweather Snr for his November fight with Paulie Malignaggi.
November 22: Wins light-heavyweight bout with Malignaggi in Las Vegas after the American’s corner retire him in the 11th round.
2009 – May 2: Hatton’s reign as light-welterweight world champion comes to a brutal end as Filipino fighter Manny Pacquiao delivers a stunning second-round knockout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
August 11: Hatton confirms an all-British fight against Amir Khan is ‘a possibility’.
2010 – January 13: Hatton announces he will return to the ring in 2010.
September 13: A spokesman for Hatton confirms the fighter has entered a rehabilitation facility due to ‘severe depression’ and a ‘drink problem’.
September 23: The British Boxing Board of Control announce they have withdrawn Hatton’s boxer’s licence.
2011 – July 7: Announces his retirement from boxing, more than two years after his defeat to Pacquiao.
2012 – September 14: Confirms at a press conference that he is to return to the ring, with a November 24 bout at the Manchester Arena against an as yet unnamed opponent.
September 28: Confirms he will take on Ukraine’s former WBA welterweight champion Vyacheslav Senchenko in his comeback fight.
November 24: Stopped in the ninth round by Senchenko. Announces retirement.