Ricky Hatton: Family call loss ‘immeasurable’ after boxing icon dies aged 46
Boxing great Ricky Hatton died at his home in Hyde
Ricky Hatton’s family have shared their “love and gratitude” for the public response after the two-weight world champion boxer was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester at the age of 46.
Hatton established himself as one of the most popular boxers in history during a professional career lasting between 1997 and 2012, backed by a huge following from England who adored his all-action fighting style and charisma outside of the ring.
“As a family, our loss is immeasurable,” the Hattons said in a statement. “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. It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched and how widely he was admired and respected.”
Greater Manchester Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious.
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Ricky Hatton record: British boxing legend
Hatton held the WBU light-welterweight title between 2001 and 2004 before becoming a unified champion and a lightweight titlist.
Across his 48-fight, 32-knockout career, one of Hatton’s finest performances was an 11th-round knockout of Kostya Tszyu in Manchester in June 2005 to win the IBF and The Ring light-welterweight titles.
Aside from a comeback defeat in 2012, Hatton’s only two losses came to two all-time boxing greats in the US, against Floyd Mayweather in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009.
Stockport-born Hatton had openly discussed his mental health struggles and drug addiction, surviving suicide attempts caused by depression.
Ricky Hatton death: Family tribute
“Richard was so much more than a world champion,” said Hatton’s family. “To us, he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many.
“He had a heart as big as his smile and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Ricky Hatton: Amir Khan on friend
“Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers but a friend, a mentor, a warrior,” said former lightweight and light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan on Sunday.
“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.”