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.”

How British boxing fell in love with Ricky Hatton, the true people’s champion

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.

How British boxing fell in love with Ricky Hatton, the true people’s champion

Hatton, who has died at the age of 46, was adored by British boxing fans and brought thousands with him on a raucous ride to Las Vegas

Will Castle16 September 2025 08:00

2 hours ago

Hatton’s career in pictures

Ricky Hatton enjoyed a storied boxing career

Hatton celebrates with trainer Bill Graham after winning the vacant WBU light-welterweight against Canada’s Tony Pep (PA Archive)

Floyd Mayweather Jr, right, inflicted Hatton’s first professional defeat in December 2007 (PA Archive)

Ricky Hatton claimed a string of sell-out wins in Manchester (PA Archive)

Hatton possessed huge power in his fists (AP)

Luke Baker16 September 2025 07:00

4 hours ago

Hatton family statement in full

Ricky Hatton’s family released a statement yesterday about the boxing legend’s passing this weekend.

They 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.”

Will Castle16 September 2025 05:00

5 hours ago

The life and career of Ricky Hatton

A lovely tribute to The Hitman from boxing commentator Adam Smith and Dazn.

Will Castle16 September 2025 04:00

6 hours ago

Tyson Fury posts tribute on Instagram

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.”

Will Castle16 September 2025 03:00

7 hours ago

Wayne Rooney pays tribute to his friend

Will Castle16 September 2025 02:00

8 hours ago

Ricky Hatton works out at home gym in video shared just days before his death

Ricky Hatton shared a video of his workout at his home gym, just days before his sudden death at the age of 46.

On Thursday, the boxer shared a video of himself training with punchbags, while on Friday he shared a video on his treadmill, telling his fans: “Another 5k, a good sweat on”.

He captioned the video: “Evening run in the bag. Don’t you worry about that our kid.”

Ricky Hatton looks sharp in boxing workout days before death

Will Castle16 September 2025 01:00

9 hours ago

Hatton’s professional record

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.

(Getty Images)

Will Castle16 September 2025 00:00

9 hours ago

Ricky Hatton’s friend Paddy McGuinness holds back tears as he announces death live on BBC Radio 2

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.”

The presenter then paid a short tribute to the boxer and his family, before playing Frank Sinatra’s Blue Moon in dedication – a reference to Hatton’s football team Manchester City.