Ricky Hatton, boxing legend: Dies at 46 years old

The boxing world mourns the loss of Ricky Hatton, an iconic figure who left an indelible mark on the sport. At 46 years old, the former world champion, known for his passionate fighting style, has passed away, leaving a void in the hearts of fans.

A Legacy of Success and Passion

Hatton, nicknamed “The Hitman”, became one of the most beloved boxers of the 2000s. His charisma and fighting style catapulted him to fame, winning over fans from all over the world. His rise in amateur and professional boxing led him to face legends like Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny Pacquiao.

A true champion, an indomitable spirit, and a legend of the sport. Your legacy will live on in every fight and in the hearts of boxing fans around the world.

WBA

Hatton not only stood out for his talent in the ring, but also for his closeness to the fans, who admired his authenticity. After his retirement, he openly shared his mental health problems, demonstrating his courage and humanity. Despite personal challenges, Hatton managed to reinvent himself as a trainer, guiding Zhanat Zhakiyanov to victory for the bantamweight world title in 2017. In July, Hatton announced his return to professional boxing with a fight scheduled for December in Dubai against Eisa Al Dah. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the discovery of the body of a 46-year-old man at a residence in Hyde, England, and assured that no suspicious circumstances are suspected. Although the identity was not revealed, it was reported that they are working with the family to issue a statement.

After a brief but outstanding amateur career, Hatton began his path to professional fame with a victory over Colin McAuley in 1997. After 21 consecutive victories, Hatton conquered the British super-lightweight title by defeating Jon Thaxton in 2000, solidifying his dominance at the Manchester Arena. His great triumph came in June 2005, when he forced Kostya Tszyu to retire in the fight for the IBF title in Manchester, a victory that Hatton considered the most important of his career. His debut in the United States was in Boston, where he defeated Luis Collazo on points. Subsequently, he defeated the great Mexican boxer José Luis Castillo in Las Vegas in June 2007, securing his place in history. Hatton, loved for his fighting style and the passion of his fans, faced Mayweather, although he suffered his first professional defeat. His encounter with Pacquiao resulted in a defeat, which led to his retirement. However, he returned three years later, despite problems with weight, depression, and alcohol consumption, although he lost to Vyacheslav Senchenko, his comeback was seen as a personal triumph. In a post on X, Frank Warren described Hatton as a “boxer with exceptional talent who inspired a generation of young boxers and fans in a way that few have achieved”, adding that “he will rightly be remembered as one of the modern greats of this sport”.