Ricky Hatton, the former world champion boxer, has died at the age of 46, just hours after posting a video on social media showing him training for a comeback fight. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a body was found at an address in Gee Cross at 6.45am on Sunday, September 14, and said the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Hatton, known as 'The Hitman', had recently announced he would return to the ring for a fight in Dubai against Eisa Aldah, more than a decade after his last bout. In his final Instagram post, he wrote 'Thursday session in the bag' alongside a clip of himself training. Fans called him the 'people's champ' and praised him for inspiring others after his public struggles with mental health.
The 46-year-old had faced depression and alcohol abuse after retiring, but got sober three years ago ahead of an exhibition fight with Marco Antonio Barrera. He credited the Oasis reunion as an inspiration, having had Noel and Liam Gallagher walk him to the ring for his 2008 fight. Hatton said of his planned comeback: 'I know what fights I'm capable of doing. Don't worry about me.'
Hatton’s career spanned 15 years, from 1997 to 2012, during which he won four world titles and held an MBE. His defining victory came against Kostya Tszyu in 2005, earning him the lineal light-welterweight championship. He later fought Floyd Mayweather Jr in Las Vegas and Paulie Malignaggi, retiring with a record of 45 wins and two losses.
After retiring, Hatton worked as a promoter and trainer. He said his comeback was partly to inspire others: 'Most people say, from where you were to what you're doing now, it's so inspiring. That's half the reason why I do it.' His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the boxing community and fans.
