The British boxing world was thrown into a state of shock and mourning on Thursday following a malicious online hoax that claimed the life of beloved former two-weight world champion, Ricky 'The Hitman' Hatton.
False rumours spread like wildfire across social media platforms, prompting an immediate and emotional flood of tributes from devastated fans, fellow fighters, and sports personalities who believed the news to be true.
The situation grew so severe that the 45-year-old Manchester icon was compelled to break his silence directly. Taking to his official Instagram account, Hatton posted a video from his gym to unequivocally confirm he is alive and well. "I've just woken up and seen all the messages. I can assure you, reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated," he stated, addressing his legions of concerned followers.
An Outpouring of Relief and Anger
The initial wave of grief quickly turned to one of immense relief and anger as the truth emerged. Prominent figures in the sport, who had moments earlier been posting their condolences, swiftly retracted their statements and expressed their fury at the cruel prank.
Hatton, known for his fan-friendly style and epic battles against the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, remains a cherished figure in the sport. The emotional reaction from the public underscored his lasting legacy and the deep affection held for him far beyond his hometown.
Beyond the Ring: A Candid Battle with Demons
Part of the reason the hoax gained such traction is the boxer's own well-documented and candid struggles with mental health following his retirement. In his video, Hatton touched on this, highlighting the insensitivity of such a stunt. "Especially with my past, with my mental health and everything I've been through, for people to go and put that out there is absolutely disgusting," he said.
His openness about his battles with depression and addiction has made him a respected advocate for mental health awareness, making the malicious nature of the hoax all the more distressing for his supporters.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous speed at which misinformation can travel online and the very real emotional impact it can have on individuals, their families, and their communities.
