Ricky Hatton’s family say they feel an “immeasurable” sense of loss after his death but have been “deeply moved” by the outpouring of love and support towards him.
Greater Manchester Police said on Sunday the 46-year-old had been found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester. The police said there were no suspicious circumstances.
Tributes have been paid across sport and wider society towards Hatton, a former world welterweight champion.
On Monday his family issued a statement via Greater Manchester Police.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard,” the statement began.
“Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many.
“He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
“To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.”
Arguably Hatton’s finest moment was his victory over Kostya Tszyu to win the IBF welterweight title at Manchester Arena in June 2005.
He went on to fight other big names in his sport such as Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao. Hatton’s 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.
The Hatton family added in their statement: “He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport.
“But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.
“As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.
“It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.
“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy — both in boxing and as a man — will continue to live on.
“Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.”
Hard to take this in.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) September 14, 2025
Ricky was much loved by so many in Greater Manchester.
He was the kind of person who would always turn up for people, supporting so many causes.
He made us smile and made us proud.
We will find a way of honouring him properly.
Rest in peace, Champ. 💪🏻 https://t.co/6nYJyKFyMf
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has said the city will give consideration to how best to honour Hatton’s memory properly in the weeks and months ahead.
Burnham said Hatton’s death was “hard to take in” and added: “Ricky was much loved by so many in Greater Manchester. He was the kind of person who would always turn up for people, supporting so many causes.
“He made us smile and made us proud. We will find a way of honouring him properly. Rest in peace, Champ.”
Former world heavyweight champion Frank Bruno also paid tribute saying “there will never be another Ricky” in a heartfelt message on social media.
Bruno shared memories he had with Hatton outside of the ring and described him as a “friend and an amazing human being”.
Yesterday was a bit of a blur and now I have got over the initial shock I am happy to join the many others with my tribute to Ricky. Ricky Hatton what can I say? He told me he grew up as a fan of mine I went to couple of his fights and we used to bump into each other on the… pic.twitter.com/ryJTYVclZe
— Frank Bruno MBE 🇬🇧 (@frankbrunoboxer) September 15, 2025
He wrote on X: “Yesterday was a bit of a blur and now I have got over the initial shock I am happy to join the many others with my tribute to Ricky.
“Ricky Hatton what can I say? He told me he grew up as a fan of mine I went to couple of his fights and we used to bump into each other on the circuit. When he retired and opened his gym in Manchester, I went up to train with him and spar a few times.
“He got involved with my charity & become an ambassador and we spoke numerous times about Mental Health, & depression mainly when we were in dressing rooms waiting to go on stage for shows. I would call that the quality 121 time we had.
“The other side to Rick he made me laugh so many times. There were so many comparables in our life separated by 20 years both business and personal. He did not take himself too seriously. My life was enriched through knowing Ricky he was great fun to be around.
“The crowds used to sing “There’s only one Ricky Hatton” never truer words. There will never be another Ricky or anyone like him and at this time I share the shock and upset of losing what I consider to be a great fighter, a friend and an amazing human being.”
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