British boxing is in mourning after learning of the death of former World champion Ricky Hatton, whose body was found at his Manchester home on Sunday 14 September.

Although the cause of death has not yet been reported, there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his passing.

Throughout his career Hatton carried the nickname “the Hitman”, as he successfully defended the WBU light-welterweight title fifteen times between 2001 and 2004, before winning IBF and WBA titles.

The popular fighter, who won 45 of his 48 professional bouts and last fought professionally in 2012, had previously spoken about his battles with depression and mental health issues.

In July he announced his intended return to the ring with a fight due to against Eisa Al Dah at middleweight on 2 December in Dubai.

Hatton was a well-known Manchester City fan and a minute’s applause was held before Sunday’s Premier League match against their big rivals Manchester United, at Etihad Stadium.

Police statement

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man.

“There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”

Fighter faced many battles in and out of ring

That body was confirmed to be that of Ricky Hatton who had struggled with his mental health and also battled cocaine addiction. His weight would balloon alarmingly between fights as he tried to keep himself fit and healthy, even entering rehab two years prior to his final professional fight.

That was against Vyacheslav Senchenko in 2012 in front of his adoring crowd at a packed out the arena, but he was brutally stopped by the stronger Ukrainian, bringing an end to a glittering career.

Highs and lows

His most famous night came in 2005, when he defeated Kostya Tszyu to become world champion for the first time. It was one of the biggest upsets in British boxing history, and catapulted him to stardom.

When he fought Floyd Mayweather at the MGM Grand  in Las Vegas, he took with him an incredible 30,000 fans, but his night ended in disappointment, with the Mancunian believing the referee had “cheated” him, and there was a huge miscarriage of justice on foreign soil.

Respect

His only other defeat was at the hands of Manny Pacquiao in 2009 and the brilliant Filipino paid tribute after learning of his rival’s death, saying: “We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history and I will always honor the respect and sportsmanship he showed.” 

Former champions pay tribute

Former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury wrote on Instagram: “RIP to the legend; there will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this – so young.”

And former light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan wrote on X: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior  Rest well, Ricky – you’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”

Football club’s message

A Manchester City club statement read: “He wore sky blue shorts and used ‘Blue Moon’ as his walkout song throughout his career. Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters. He will always be remembered.”

Manager Pep Guardiola added: “It was tough to wake up to the news. He had the success and was a world champion, but it is the loss for his family, his kids – he was a grandad. So on behalf of Man City we wish them all comfort in these incredibly tough hours, tough days, tough weeks.”

City secured a 3-0 derby win over Manchester United and Phil Foden, scorer of the opening goal dedicated the victory to the lifelong City fan. “It was for him and his family. It was all for him”

Highlight of career

Fellow City fans, Noel and Liam Gallagher, once carried Hatton’s title belts into the ring before one of his fights, which the boxer later described as the highlight of his career.

“It was the one extra box I wanted to tick; ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a boxing world champion, support Man City and listen to Oasis!”

Hatton sadly leaves behind his three children – Campbell, 24, Millie, 13, and Fearne, 12, and granddaughter Lyla, seven.