Ricky Hatton dies at the age of 46 - Boxing in mourning at loss of former world champion

Legendary British boxer Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 46. The Manchester great enjoyed an iconic career at the top of the sport, with memorable wins over Kostya Tszyu and Luis Collazo amongst the many highlights, as well as a clash with Floyd Mayweather. He was a world champion at light-welterweight and welterweight, and inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2024.

Ricky Hatton, one of Britain's greatest and most popular boxers, has died at the age of 46.

Hatton was found unresponsive at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester on Sunday and the death is not being seen as suspicious by police.

The world champion at light-welterweight and welterweight was famous for his huge Manchester following, with an estimated 20,000 fans travelling to Las Vegas when he fought Floyd Mayweather in 2007.

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The song "There's Only One Ricky Hatton" rang around boxing venues wherever he fought.

In the era before boxing was regularly held in football stadiums, Hatton sold out the MEN Arena on numerous occasions, as well as the Etihad Stadium, always decked out with dressing gown and shorts in the colours of his beloved Manchester City - and entering the ring to City anthem Blue Moon.

His victory over Kostya Tszyu in 2005 stands as one of the best ever performances from a UK fighter, making the legendary Russian-Australian quit on his stool, following a prolonged assault of Hatton's trademark body punches, at the end of the 11th round.

Ricky Hatton pictured at the British Boxing Awards in March

Image credit: Getty Images

The 'Hitman' became a two-weight champion when he defeated Luis Collazo a year later before losing to Mayweather the following year.

Hatton returned to Las Vegas in 2009 when he was knocked out by Manny Pacquiao in two rounds, effectively ending his career at the top level.

His in-ring achievements were recognised by his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2024.

Another British fighter from the same era, Amir Khan paid tribute to Hatton on X.

"Today we lost not only one of Britain's greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior" Khan said,

"Rest well, Ricky. You'll always have your place in the ring of our memories."

One of Britain's star fighters from the present day, Chris Eubank Jr, wrote on X: "Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you."

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards told Sky Sports: "He's such a British icon. A true Man City fan, but most importantly he was a man of the people. He was the nicest guy ever."

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