Ricky Hatton’s family have paid an emotional tribute to the British boxing icon and said they are “deeply moved” by the outpouring of love and support following his death at the age of 46.
Hatton’s body was found in his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday morning. Greater Manchester Police are not treating the death as suspicious.
Hatton was perhaps the most popular British boxer of all-time, with his raucous fanbase regularly travelling across the Atlantic in their thousands to watch him fight the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in some of the biggest bouts in British boxing history.
"He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him,” Hatton’s family said in a statement released by Greater Manchester Police.
"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."
Follow all the latest updates and tributes following his passing below:
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Ricky Hatton passes away at the age of 46
- British boxing icon Ricky Hatton has passed away at the age of 46
- Ricky Hatton's family release emotional tribute to boxing great
- 'Our loss is immeasurable': Hatton family statement in full
- Tyson Fury, Micah Richards, Frank Warren and others pay tribute to 'The Hitman'
- Manchester will find way to honour Ricky Hatton, says Andy Burnham
- Hatton's career in pictures
- Full statement from Greater Manchester Police
Ricky Hatton’s brother pays touching tribute
21:00
,
Will Castle
Ricky Hatton’s brother, Matthew, has paid a touching tribute after the former boxing world champion's tragic passing at the age of 46.
Hatton was found dead in his home in Gee Cross, Hyde, and Matthew posted to social media on Sunday evening a collection of photos with his older brother throughout the years.
The post was captioned: “I love you, Richard. See you on the other side.”
I love you Richard
— Matthew Hatton (@MagicMattHatton) September 14, 2025
See you on the other side X pic.twitter.com/X5u3tAvSxz
The Etihad shows its appreciation for Ricky Hatton
20:30
,
Will Castle
If you haven’t seen already, here’s the spine-tingling tribute given to Ricky Hatton ahead of the Manchester derby yesterday.
The announcer fighting off tears, he wasn’t alone. Unconditional love and deification from a city in mourning.
Frank Bruno: "My life was enriched through knowing Ricky"
20:00
,
Will Castle
“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,” Bruno wrote on X.
“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 and became an ambassador and we spoke numerous times about mental health and depression mainly when we were in dressing rooms waiting to go on stage for shows. I would call that the quality one-to-one 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.”
A touching, touching tribute from one great to another.
No better press conference than a Ricky Hatton press conference
19:30
,
Will Castle
Nobody could quite do a press conference like him. The one, the only, Ricky Hatton.
Ricky Hatton had the unique ability to turn his press conferences with Floyd Mayweather into stand-up comedy routines. Crazy atmosphere pre-fight… pic.twitter.com/5AGbExhLiX
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) October 5, 2020
Liam Gallagher pays tribute to Ricky Hatton
19:00
,
Will Castle
Liam Gallagher has paid tribute to fellow Mancunian icon Ricky Hatton following his tragic passing.
“Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Ricky Hatton,” he wrote on X. “Absolute honour to know him and carry his belts.
“RIP CHAMP LIVE FOREVER.”
Manchester will find way to honour Ricky Hatton, says Andy Burnham
18:30
,
Will Castle
Manchester will work to honour Ricky Hatton properly, its mayor Andy Burnham has said.
Burnham wrote on X that it was "hard to take in" Hatton's death, 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."
Hatton enjoyed arguably the greatest moment of his career in his home city, when he beat Kostya Tszyu for the IBF welterweight title at the Manchester Arena in 2005.
How British boxing fell in love with Ricky Hatton, the true people’s champion
18:00
,
Steve Bunce
They filled the arenas and pubs and streets every time Ricky Hatton fought, and they sang “there is only one Ricky Hatton” until dawn.
Ricky Hatton was the council estate boy, who grew up in a pub and took about 60,000 fans to Las Vegas when he was one of boxing’s top attractions. He was British boxing’s most popular boxer and that title feels like it will be his crown for a long, long time.
He won world title fights at 3am against the odds in his beloved Manchester, and he went down in glory in massive fights on other unforgettable nights in Las Vegas; each time the fans sang their endless chorus of devotion. And it was true; there was only one Ricky Hatton.
Hatton's professional record
17:45
,
Mike Jones
Ricky Hatton produced one of the most storied and impressive career’s in British boxing history, winning 45 of his 48 professional bouts across 15 years.
Memorable moments for "The Hitman" included title wins against Kostya Tszyu (in 2005 for the IBF and The Ring light-welterweight titles) and Jose Luis Castillo (in 2007 for the vacant WBC International light-welterweight title), while he also beat Juan Urango for the IBF and vacant IBO light-welterweight titles.
Of his three losses, two came to a pair of the greatest boxers of all time in Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
Richards pays tribute to Hatton
17:30
,
Mike Jones
Micah Richards paid his own tribute to Hatton yesterday calling the news “devastating”.
"He's such a British icon... a true Man City fan, but most importantly he was a man of the people,” Richards said.
"He was the nicest guy ever - I remember going down to one of his gyms and I was a bit nervous because I didn't know about boxing and he said 'just do this' and he took his time.
"For him to take the time and effort, I've been multiple times for beers with him just talking about football and life.
"To get this news now is just surreal."
Football stars comment of Hatton's passing
17:15
,
Mike Jones
Some of England’s biggest football stars have posted comments in light of Hatton’s death.
“Ricky was one of a kind,” wrote former Manchester United and England midfielder David Beckham on Instagram. “Just heartbreaking.”
Meanwhile, on X, another ex-England and Man United star Wayne Rooney - who carried Hatton's belts into the ring before a fight with Jose Luis Castillo in 2007 -said he was “devastated” and Hatton was a “a legend, a warrior and a great person”.
'He was a man of the people'
17:00
,
Mike Jones
Ricky Hatton was a huge Manchester City fan. Micah Richards and Roy Keane paid tribute to the boxer before yesterday’s Manchester derby.
Richards says Hatton was “a man of the people”.
"He was a man of the people"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 14, 2025
Micah Richards and Roy Keane pay tribute to Ricky Hatton. pic.twitter.com/s1Xo3rlG8T
Man City win dedicated to Ricky Hatton
16:45
,
Mike Jones
Phil Foden says that news of Ricky Hatton’s death on Sunday morning gave him added motivation to perform during the Manchester derby.
When asked if the win was for Hatton, Foden replied: “100%. I had extra motivation going into the game.
“It was for him and his family and for the people suffering right now.
“The lads gave everything. It wasn’t a pretty match but it was all for him.”
Phil Foden and Pep Guardiola dedicate Man City’s derby victory to Ricky Hatton
16:30
,
Mike Jones
Phil Foden and Pep Guardiola dedicated Manchester City’s 3-0 derby win over Manchester United to British boxing great Ricky Hatton.
News of the death of former world champion Hatton, who was synonymous with his beloved City, at the age of 46 emerged just a few hours before kick-off.
City said they were “devastated” and a minute’s applause was held before the match.
Khan on meantal health struggles boxers face
16:15
,
Mike Jones
Amir Khan spoke about the struggles boxers can face out of the ring and how a perception of being strong can have an effect on your mental health.
He explained: “As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong — we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind.
“Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other.
“Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible.
“To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding.
“Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”
Pacquiao on Hatton
16:00
,
Mike Jones
One of Ricky Hatton’s great fights came against Manny Pacquiao and although he lost the bout it was a superb event for boxing fans.
Pacquiao reacted to the death of his former rival with a pleasing tribute saying: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was not only a great fighter inside the ring but also a brave and kind man in life.
“We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history and I will always honor the respect and sportsmanship he showed. Ricky fought bravely, not just in the ring, but in his journey through life. He truly had a good fight, and we are all blessed to have been part of his wonderful journey.
“My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Hatton family and all his loved ones. May the Lord give you strength and comfort in this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”
Manny Pacquiao pays tribute to ‘great fighter’ Ricky Hatton
15:45
,
Mike Jones
Manny Pacquiao paid tribute to “a great fighter” and “a brave and kind man” following the death of his former opponent Ricky Hatton.
Pacquiao, whose stunning second-round knockout of ‘The Hitman’ in Las Vegas in 2009 marked the start of Hatton’s decline at elite level, said he felt “blessed to have been part of his wonderful journey”.
'Rest in Peace Mr Hatton'
15:30
,
Mike Jones
Fellow British boxer Chris Eubank Jr. posted a quick tribute on Sunday say: “Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you.”
Barrera says Hatton was 'once in a lifetime man'
15:15
,
Mike Jones
Multi-division world champion boxer Marco Antonio Barrera paid his respects to Ricky Hatton.
Close friends Hatton and Barrera didn’t fight as professionals but did have an un-scored exhibition bout in 2022.
“Ricky was a once in a lifetime man,” wrote Barrera on social media. “I am eternally grateful I got to share the ring with him.
“May he rest in peace, he will be missed deeply. Ricky was my closest friend in boxing. I’ll miss you, my friend. There will only be one Ricky Hatton.”
Fury posts tribute on Instagram
15:00
,
Mike Jones
On Instagram, Tyson Fury said: “Rip to the legend Ricky Hatton may he rip.
"There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton. Can't believe this so young."
Boxing stars pay tribute to Hatton
14:45
,
Mike Jones
News of Ricky Hatton’s death broke on Sunday morning and tributes to the 46-year-old have come in from fans, colleagues and other icons of the boxing world.
Amir Khan wrote on X that “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.”
Man City pay tribute to Ricky Hatton
14:30
,
Mike Jones
Yesterday’s Manchester derby saw City defeat United 3-0 with goals from Phil Foden and Erling Haaland.
Before the match at the Etihad Stadium kicked off there was a tribute to Ricky Hatton who was a lifelong City supporter.
The players lined up either side of the centre circle and the crowd all clapped for the boxing legend.
A City statement said: “Manchester City are devastated to learn Ricky Hatton has passed away, aged 46.
“Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters, who will always be remembered for a glittering boxing career that saw him win world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight.
“Everyone at the club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Ricky Hatton dies aged 46 at home in Greater Manchester
14:15
,
Mike Jones
For those of you just learning or catching up on the news here’s a little recap of yesterday’s events.
British boxing legend Ricky Hatton has died at the age 46 after being found at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester.
Hatton was one of the most iconic and popular British boxers of all time, and a multiple world championship title holder in the light-welterweight division. He also won one welterweight title during a storied boxing career that included fights against Floyd Mayweather Jr, Manny Pacquiao and Paulie Malignaggi.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a body had been found at Hatton's address on Sunday 14 September and that the death was not being treated as suspicious.
Paddy McGuinness pays emotional tribute to Ricky Hatton
14:00
,
Mike Jones
BBC Radio 2 presenter Paddy McGuinness paid a short tribute to the boxer and his family, before playing Frank Sinatra’s Blue Moon in dedication - a reference to Hatton’s favourite football team Man City.
Hatton’s friend Paddy McGuinness holds back tears as he announces death live on BBC Radio 2
13:45
,
Mike Jones
Paddy McGuinness paid emotional tribute to his friend Ricky Hatton, as he announced news of the boxer’s death live on air during his BBC Radio 2 show on Sunday.
After not being heard for a number of minutes, an audibly shaken McGuinness told listeners: “I had to play a couple of songs back-to-back there; I’ve just learned terrible news that a great mate of mine has passed away - Ricky Hatton.”
Hatton looking sharp in boxing workout days before death
13:30
,
Mike Jones
Hatton had been preparing for a return to the ring this year, and recently appeared in a video looking sharp ahead of his first bout since 2022.
A fight against the UAE’s Eisa Al Dah had been scheduled to take place in Dubai on 2 December.
Ricky Hatton’s family pay emotional tribute to boxing great
13:15
,
Mike Jones
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.
Steve Bunce on 'shocking news' of Hatton's death
13:00
,
Mike Jones
Ricky Hatton’s friend, and boxing columnist for The Independent, Steve Bunce, spoke to the BBC about the ‘shocking news’ of Hatton’s death on Sunday.
Have a listen to his thoughts below:
Hatton family statement in full
12:50
,
Mike Jones
Ricky Hatton’s family said: "He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
"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.
"Richard's memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.
"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 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.
"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."
Hatton's family release statement
12:40
,
Mike Jones
Ricky Hatton’s family released a statemen about his passing this weekend.
They say Hatton "had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him".
The statement added: "To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered asone of boxing's greatest champions - a man who gave everything inside the ringand wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.
“But he remained the samedown-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from."
'A superbly talented fighter'
12:20
,
Mike Jones
Boxing promoter Frank Warren said he is “extremely saddened to learn of the passing” of Ricky Hatton.
“A superbly talented fighter who inspired a generation of young boxers and fans in a way very few had done before due to both his personality and the entertainment he provided in the ring,” he said.
“From making his debut Widnes in 1997 to then go on to win one of the most historic fights in British boxing history against Kostya Tszyu in Manchester, Ricky will rightly go down as one of the modern greats of this sport.
“My deepest condolences go out to his family at this awful time.”
Chris Eubank Sr issues plea to boxing industry after Ricky Hatton death
12:10
,
Holly Patrick
Chris Eubank Sr issued a plea to those in the boxing industry to "look after fighters" following the death of Ricky Hatton.
The two-weight world champion died at the age of 46 after his body was found in his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday morning (14 September).
Speaking to This Morning on Monday, Eubank Sr said Hatton's three children should be proud of their father before issuing a plea to boxing promoters and broadcasters.
"We have to find a way to look after fighters when they retire," he said.
Jason Manford on Ricky Hatton
12:00
,
Mike Jones
Jason Manford says Ricky was 'part of the fabric of Manchester'
The comedian and fellow Manchester City fan said he is "gutted" he won't be bumping into Ricky at football games anymore.
In a tribute on Instagram, he wrote: "Can’t believe he’s gone just before the derby as well - he’ll be fuming about that!
“He was part of the fabric of Manchester. Funny, sharp, always up for a chat with anyone.
“One of those people you were just always glad to see."
Football stars comment of Hatton's passing
11:45
,
Mike Jones
Some of England’s biggest football stars have posted comments in light of Hatton’s death.
“Ricky was one of a kind,” wrote former Manchester United and England midfielder David Beckham on Instagram. “Just heartbreaking.”
Meanwhile, on X, another ex-England and Man United star Wayne Rooney - who carried Hatton's belts into the ring before a fight with Jose Luis Castillo in 2007 -said he was “devastated” and Hatton was a “a legend, a warrior and a great person”.
Andy Burnham pays tribute to Hatton
11:30
,
Mike Jones
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham paid tribute to Ricky Hatton, saying the region will "find a way of honouring him properly".
He wrote in a statement on X: "Hard to take this in.
“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.”
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
How British boxing fell in love with Ricky Hatton, the true people’s champion
11:15
,
Steve Bunce
They filled the arenas and pubs and streets every time Ricky Hatton fought, and they sang “there is only one Ricky Hatton” until dawn.
Ricky Hatton was the council estate boy, who grew up in a pub and took about 60,000 fans to Las Vegas when he was one of boxing’s top attractions. He was British boxing’s most popular boxer and that title feels like it will be his crown for a long, long time.
He won world title fights at 3am against the odds in his beloved Manchester, and he went down in glory in massive fights on other unforgettable nights in Las Vegas; each time the fans sang their endless chorus of devotion. And it was true; there was only one Ricky Hatton.
Joshua's tribute to Hatton
11:00
,
Mike Jones
Former heavyweight champion and fellow Brit, Anthony Joshua wrote on X:
“RIP Hitman.
“One of the best to do it.
“Our British hero.”
RIP Hitman
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) September 14, 2025
One of the best to do it.
Our British hero. pic.twitter.com/8H7kEBsDN7
Manchester in shock over Hatton death
10:45
,
Mike Jones
The city of Manchester remains in shock following the news of Ricky Hatton's death.
The This is MCR Awards paid tribute to Hatton saying he will be remembered for his 'true northern spirit, resilience, loyalty and laughter'.
The city remains in shock following the sad news of Ricky Hatton's passing.
In a moving tribute this morning from the This is MCR Awards, Ricky is remembered for his 'true northern spirit, resilience, loyalty and laughter', and as a man who 'showed the world what it’s like to be a Mancunian'.
Remembering Ricky “The Hitman Hatton” Not just as a boxer, but as a force for heart, grit and community.
— THIS IS MCR AWARDS ® (@thisismcrawards) September 15, 2025
Ricky Hatton embodied Manchester with true northern spirit, resilience, loyalty and laughter. A real man of the people. He showed the world what it’s like to be a Mancunian… pic.twitter.com/9Dp6l3UdHu
Resurfaced interview: Ricky Hatton's son Campbell discusses being part of a boxing dynasty
10:30
,
Mike Jones
Back in August 2023, super-lightweight boxer Campbell Hatton spoke with The Independent ahead of his fight on the Anthony Joshua undercard against Tom Ansell.
The Manchester-born fighter spoke about a number of issues, including fighting in some of the UK’s biggest arenas and how his dad, Ricky Hatton, reacted to his son following him into the ring.
Ricky’s thoughts on Campbell boxing are from 6.30-7.15 in the below video
Richards pays tribute to Hatton
10:15
,
Mike Jones
Micah Richards paid his own tribute to Hatton yesterday calling the news “devastating”.
"He's such a British icon... a true Man City fan, but most importantly he was a man of the people,” Richards said.
"He was the nicest guy ever - I remember going down to one of his gyms and I was a bit nervous because I didn't know about boxing and he said 'just do this' and he took his time.
"For him to take the time and effort, I've been multiple times for beers with him just talking about football and life.
"To get this news now is just surreal."
Ricky Hatton’s Dancing On Ice co-stars lead tributes to former boxer
10:00
,
Mike Jones
Ricky Hatton’s Dancing On Ice co-stars have led tributes to the former boxer after he was found dead in his home at the age of 46.
Radio presenter Adele Roberts, described Hatton as a “amazing man”, while Olympian Greg Rutherford said the news was “utterly heart breaking”.
The popular fighter was also remembered as being “one of a kind” by former footballer David Beckham, who posted photos of Hatton to his Instagram stories.
Hatton's professional record
09:44
,
Mike Jones
Ricky Hatton produced one of the most storied and impressive career’s in British boxing history, winning 45 of his 48 professional bouts across 15 years.
Memorable moments for "The Hitman" included title wins against Kostya Tszyu (in 2005 for the IBF and The Ring light-welterweight titles) and Jose Luis Castillo (in 2007 for the vacant WBC International light-welterweight title), while he also beat Juan Urango for the IBF and vacant IBO light-welterweight titles.
Of his three losses, two came to a pair of the greatest boxers of all time in Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
'He was a man of the people'
09:22
,
Mike Jones
Ricky Hatton was a huge Manchester City fan. Micah Richards and Roy Keane paid tribute to the boxer before yesterday’s Manchester derby.
Richards says Hatton was “a man of the people”.
"He was a man of the people"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 14, 2025
Micah Richards and Roy Keane pay tribute to Ricky Hatton. pic.twitter.com/s1Xo3rlG8T
Ricky Hatton’s career in pictures
09:11
,
Mike Jones
Ricky Hatton: The boxing superstar who remained a man of the people
09:00
,
Mike Jones
From the social club of the Sale chemical works, where he first laced on the gloves, to the swirling glamour of the Las Vegas Strip,
