Boxing legend Ricky Hatton has been forced to deny bizarre online rumours claiming he had died, after a sick social media hoax targeted the former world champion.
The Hitman took to his official Instagram account to reassure his legion of concerned fans that he was very much alive and well, after the malicious fake news began circulating across various platforms.
In a characteristically blunt response, the 45-year-old Manchester icon posted: "Just to let people know I'm alive and well. Not sure where this has come from."
Social Media Storm
The cruel prank gained alarming traction, with numerous fans expressing their shock and confusion across Twitter and Facebook. Many had seen the fabricated reports and immediately sought confirmation from Hatton's official channels.
This incident highlights the disturbing trend of celebrity death hoaxes that continue to plague social media platforms, causing unnecessary distress to both the subjects and their supporters.
Boxing Community Reacts
Fellow British boxing star Amir Khan was among those caught up in the confusion, with fans mistakenly tagging him in posts about the false reports. The boxing community has historically been tight-knit, with such news causing genuine concern among peers.
Hatton, who retired with a record of 45 wins and 3 losses, remains one of Britain's most beloved sporting figures since winning world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight during his illustrious career.
The Manchester native has been open about his mental health struggles since retiring from the ring, making the malicious nature of this hoax particularly distasteful to his supporters.
