Tributes have been pouring in for Ricky Hatton after the British boxing legend’s death at the age of 46.
It was announced on Sunday that Hatton had been found dead at his home in Greater Manchester, with police not treating the death as suspicious.
Nicknamed ‘The Hitman’, Hatton leaves a legacy as one of the best and most popular British fighters of all time, holding multiple world titles at super-lightweight and also reigning as welterweight world champion during an illustrious professional career that began in 1997 and ended with a short-lived comeback in 2012.
Hatton’s unforgettable late stoppage victory over the previously dominant Kostya Tszyu in Manchester in 2005 that saw him become a world champion for the first time in front of a hometown crowd is one of the most memorable wins ever by a British fighter, while he also competed in massive bouts in the United States against the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr, Manny Pacquiao, Jose Luis Castillo and Paulie Malignaggi.
Hatton - a formidable body puncher who had a devoted army of passionate fans who followed him across the world - did not fight for three years after losing to Pacquiao, with his last professional outing coming with a comeback defeat by Ukraine’s Vyacheslav Senchenko in Manchester in 2012.
Having struggled with depression and alcohol issues in retirement, Hatton fought for the first time in 10 years in an exhibition bout against Mexican icon Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022 and announced in July that he was returning to the ring again in December against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai.
Tributes have been quickly paid to an immensely popular and affable British sporting figure from around the world of boxing and beyond.
I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton.
— Frank Warren (@FrankWarren) September 14, 2025
A superbly talented fighter who inspired a generation of young boxers and fans in a way very few had done before due to both his personality and the entertainment he provided in the ring.… pic.twitter.com/hs2paTwLRf
Hatton’s former promoter Frank Warren wrote on X: “I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton.
“A superbly talented fighter who inspired a generation of young boxers and fans in a way very few had done before due to both his personality and the entertainment he provided in the ring.
“From making his debut Widnes in 1997 to then go on to win one of the most historic fights in British boxing history against Kostya Tszyu in Manchester, Ricky will rightly go down as one of the modern greats of this sport.
“My deepest condolences go out to his family at this awful time.”
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was not only a great fighter inside the ring but also a brave and kind man in life. We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history and I will always honor the respect and sportsmanship he showed. Ricky fought…
— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) September 14, 2025
Pacquiao said of his former opponent: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was not only a great fighter inside the ring but also a brave and kind man in life.
“We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history and I will always honor the respect and sportsmanship he showed.
“Ricky fought bravely, not just in the ring, but in his journey through life. He truly had a good fight, and we are all blessed to have been part of his wonderful journey.
“My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Hatton family and all his loved ones. May the Lord give you strength and comfort in this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”
Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.
— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) September 14, 2025
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… pic.twitter.com/JwSaYJe6XE
Amir Khan, meanwhile, paid emotional tribute to a “friend, mentor and warrior”, writing: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.
“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.
“To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding.
“Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”
Hatton was a huge lifelong Manchester City fan, with a minute’s appreciation to be held in his memory ahead of kick-off in Sunday’s home derby against Manchester United in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium, scene of his win over Juan Lazcano in 2008.
Manchester City are devastated to learn Ricky Hatton has passed away, aged 46.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 14, 2025
Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters, who will always be remembered for a glittering boxing career that saw him win world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight.
Everyone… pic.twitter.com/6PcjliPBde
“Manchester City are devastated to learn Ricky Hatton has passed away, aged 46,” the club said in a statement.
“Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters, who will always be remembered for a glittering boxing career that saw him win world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight.
“Everyone at the Club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
“We can confirm there will be a minute’s appreciation ahead of today’s game against Manchester United.”
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards said on Sky Sports: “The news is devastating. 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 - I remember going down to one of his gyms and I was a bit nervous because I didn't know about boxing and he said 'just do this' and he took his time.
"For him to take the time and effort, I've been multiple times for beers with him just talking about football and life. To get this news now is just surreal."
Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you 🫡
— Chris Eubank Jr (@ChrisEubankJr) September 14, 2025
Chris Eubank Jr wrote: “Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you.”
Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury took to Instagram to post two pictures alongside Hatton along with the caption: “Rip to the legend @rickyhatton may he rip. There will only ever be 1 Ricky hatton. can’t believe this so young.”
Matchroom Boxing wrote: “Matchroom Boxing is saddened to hear the news of Ricky Hatton's passing.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Ricky’s friends and family at this tragic time. There's only one Ricky Hatton.”
I’m absolutely devastated to hear the news of the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was a man of the people and a spectacular fighter. A great man inside the ring and a wonderful man outside of it. RIP Ricky, my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time 💔🙏
— Barry McGuigan (@ClonesCyclone) September 14, 2025
Barry McGuigan said on X: “I’m absolutely devastated to hear the news of the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was a man of the people and a spectacular fighter.
“A great man inside the ring and a wonderful man outside of it. RIP Ricky, my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time .”
