Ricky Hatton, the former world champion boxer known as 'The Hitman', has died at the age of 46. Greater Manchester Police confirmed they found a body at an address in Gee Cross at 6.45am on Sunday, September 14. The death is not being treated as suspicious.
Just hours before his death, Hatton posted a video on Instagram of himself training, captioned 'Thursday session in the bag'. The post attracted encouraging comments, with fans calling him the 'people's champ' and a 'huge inspiration' for his return to the ring after battling mental health issues.
Hatton had recently announced a comeback fight against Eisa Aldah in Dubai, 13 years after his previous attempt against Vyacheslav Senchenko. He spoke about his mental and physical wellbeing, saying: 'I'm in such a good place mentally, from where I was a few years back, and physically.' He had struggled with depression and alcohol abuse after retiring but got sober three years ago.
Hatton's career spanned 15 years from 1997 to 2012, with 45 wins and two losses. He secured four world titles, including the lineal light-welterweight championship after defeating Kostya Tszyu in 2005. He also fought Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2007 and Paulie Malignaggi in 2008. After retiring, he worked as a promoter and trainer and held an MBE.
Hatton was a lifelong Oasis fan and had Noel and Liam Gallagher walk him into the ring for his 2008 fight. He reportedly saw the band's reunion as an inspiration for his own comeback.
