The Hitman was found dead at his home in Tameside this morning
13:22, 14 Sep 2025Updated 13:22, 14 Sep 2025
Ricky Hatton has died aged 46(Image: PA)
The boxing world is in mourning following the shock death of former world champion Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton aged just 46.
Hatton was found dead at his home in Gee Cross, Hyde, this morning (Sunday). Greater Manchester Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious.
A GMP spokesperson 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.”
Tributes from across the sporting world have been flooding for the former light-welterweight and welterweight champ. Writing on Instagram ex-heavyweight title-holder Tyson Fury said: “Rip to the legend @rickyhatton may he rip. There will only ever be 1 Ricky hatton. can’t believe this so young.”
Hatton was a two weight world champion and one of Britain’s most popular boxers(Image: PA)
Bolton boxer Amir Khan described Hatton as a ‘friend, mentor and warrior’ and urged anyone struggling with their mental health to ‘reach out and lean on each other’. He added: “As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong — we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind.
“Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other. Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible.”
The Stockport-born boxer grew up in the New Inn pub in Hattersley. He rose through amateur and domestic levels to pit his wits against some of the best boxers of his generation.
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His all-action style and open and down-to-earth personality made him one of the most popular fighters of his generation. He was crowned world champion in 2005 when he stunned Kosta Tszyu at the Manchester Arena on one of the great nights in British boxing history.
Hatton went on to be involved in two of the biggest fights involving British fighters when he took on Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas. It was estimated between 30,000 and 40,000 British fans made the trip to the States to watch the Mayweather fight.
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Outside of the ring he faced struggles with mental health and drug addiction. He survived suicide attempts and health 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 July this year he announced that he would make a return to boxing in December in a professional bout against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai.