Ricky Hatton: British Boxing Legend Found Dead Aged 46
- British boxing icon Ricky Hatton has died aged 46, just weeks after announcing his dramatic return to the ring
- The boxing icon was found at his home in Greater Manchester this morning, where a police cordon currently sits outside
- He fought Floyd Mayweather at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2007
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World champion boxer Ricky Hatton has tragically passed away, just weeks after announcing a shock return to the ring.
The 46-year-old Manchester legend was discovered on Sunday, September 14, with police confirming his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Source: Getty Images
Greater Manchester Police said:
"We can confirm that we have found a body at an address on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross at 6.45am today, Sunday, September 14. The death is not being treated as suspicious."
According to the Manchester Evening News, police have cordoned off a property on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross, Hyde.
Hatton, a former two-weight world champion, had recently announced plans for a boxing comeback in December.
Inside Ricky Hatton's extraordinary boxing career
Ricky Hatton’s professional career spanned from 1997 to 2012, during which he captured multiple world titles and established himself as one of Britain’s most beloved fighters.
His defining moment came in 2005 when he shocked the boxing world by defeating Kostya Tszyu, then considered among the sport’s pound-for-pound greats, to win the IBF and The Ring junior welterweight titles.
Later that year, on November 26, Hatton added the WBA light-welterweight belt by overcoming Carlos Maussa, an achievement that earned him Ring Magazine’s Fighter of the Year award.
In May 2006, he moved up to welterweight and edged Luis Collazo to claim the WBA crown, before dropping back down to light-welterweight to defeat Juan Urango in Las Vegas on January 20, 2007, unifying the IBF and IBO titles by unanimous decision.
Hatton’s popularity skyrocketed, leading to blockbuster bouts against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, per Sky Sports.
Source: Getty Images
Though he was defeated in both contests, his all-action style and connection with fans cemented his status as a British boxing icon. He never quite regained those heights afterwards and ultimately retired in 2012.
After retirement, Hatton endured battles with alcoholism and depression but gradually rebuilt his life, even stepping back into the ring for an exhibition bout against Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022.
On 6 July 2025, he stunned fans by announcing a full comeback at the age of 46, with a scheduled fight in Dubai against fellow veteran Eisa Al Dah.
Reports suggested his decision to lace up the gloves again was partly inspired by Manchester icons Oasis, whose long-awaited reunion tour had reignited his competitive fire.
Many high-profile figures and organisations in boxing have reacted on X to the heartbreaking news, with Ring Magazine posting:
"The Ring is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Ring Magazine super-lightweight champion, Ricky Hatton. Our deepest sympathies are with Ricky’s friends and family at this time."
The death of Jamaican boxing legend Mike McCallum
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the world of boxing mourned the loss of one of its greatest champions, Mike McCallum, the legendary Jamaican boxer, who died at the age of 68.
According to reports, McCallum, popularly known as "The Bodysnatcher," was en route to the gym in Las Vegas on Saturday when he suddenly fell ill.
Source: YEN.com.gh
