Ricky Hatton, boxing legend, dies at 46: A farewell to the “Hitman”

The boxing world mourns the loss of Ricky Hatton, former world champion and an iconic figure in the sport. At 46 years old, the British boxer, known for his aggressive fighting style and charisma, leaves an indelible legacy.

A Boxing Icon

The World Boxing Association (WBA) and his former manager, Frank Warren, expressed their sorrow at Hatton’s death. The WBA described him as a “true champion, an indomitable spirit and a legend of the sport”. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the discovery of the body of a 46-year-old man at a residence in Hyde, England. Although details about the identity have not been revealed, authorities indicated that there are no indications of suspicious circumstances. Hatton conquered world titles in the super lightweight and welterweight categories. His career, from the amateur to the professional field, led him to face great figures of boxing, including Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.

We shared unforgettable moments in the history of boxing and I will always honor the respect and sportsmanship he demonstrated.

Manny Pacquiao

In addition to his achievements in the ring, Hatton won the affection of fans for his personality and his sincerity in talking about his mental health problems after his retirement. He overcame personal difficulties and became a successful coach, guiding Zhanat Zhakiyanov to victory for the world bantamweight title in 2017. In July, Hatton announced his return to boxing with a professional fight against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai. Boxing champion Tyson Fury expressed his regret on social media, highlighting Hatton’s impact on the sport.

After a distinguished amateur career, Hatton began his professional journey with a victory over Colin McAuley in 1997. After 21 consecutive victories, Hatton conquered the British super-lightweight title in 2000. His performance at the Manchester Arena made him a local idol. His consecration came in June 2005, when he defeated the defending champion Tszyu. Hatton considered this victory the most important of his career. His United States debut was with a points victory over Luis Collazo in Boston. Subsequently, his victory over Mexican José Luis Castillo in Las Vegas in June 2007 consolidated his status. Hatton, admired for his fighting style and the passion of his fans, had a lucrative fight with Mayweather, suffering his first professional defeat. His encounter with Pacquiao resulted in a defeat, which led Hatton to announce his retirement. Three years later, Hatton returned to boxing, despite having dealt with weight problems, depression, and alcohol consumption. Although he lost to Vyacheslav Senchenko, his return to the ring was seen as a personal triumph. Frank Warren, in a post on X, described Hatton as a “boxer with magnificent talent who inspired a generation of young boxers and fans in a way that very few had done before.”