Manchester boxing legend, Ricky Hatton MBE.Sambo / Flickr / CC
Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton, adored not just in Manchester but throughout Ireland’s boxing world, is being mourned tonight as tributes flood in from Irish fighters, trainers, and fans. Greater Manchester Police confirm Hatton was found dead in his Hyde home, and that his passing is not being treated as suspicious.
Ricky Hatton, the beloved former world champion known for wins at light‑welterweight and welterweight, died at age 46. Greater Manchester Police said his body was found at his residence on Bowlacre Road, Hyde (Tameside) at around 6:45 a.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, after a report by a member of the public. The death is not believed to involve suspicious circumstances, and the case has been referred to the coroner.
Though Hatton was English by birth, his ties with Ireland and Irish boxing in particular ran strong. Irish figures from Barry McGuigan to younger fighters like Gary Cully expressed grief and respect. McGuigan described Hatton as a “spectacular fighter” and “a wonderful man outside the ring,” while Cully and others recalled being inspired by his drive and grit.
I’m absolutely devastated to hear the news of the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was a man of the people and a spectacular fighter. A great man inside the ring and a wonderful man outside of it. RIP Ricky, my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time 💔🙏
— Barry McGuigan (@ClonesCyclone) September 14, 2025
Ricky Hatton was one of the first people to ever inspire me to put on a pair of boxing gloves. Someone who showed it was possible to come from normal beginnings and reach the pinnacle of sport. A legend of boxing 🥊 RIP champ ❤️🕊️
— Gary Cully (@BoxerCully) September 14, 2025
Hatton’s all‑action style, willingness to mingle with fans, and openness about his struggles, especially mental health challenges, endeared him to many in the Irish diaspora who saw reflections of their own stories in his triumphs and trials.
The Manchester boxer’s record was storied. He achieved global fame with victories including over Kostya Tszyu, defended and claimed multiple titles, and remained a beloved figure after retirement. He had recently announced plans for a return bout in Dubai scheduled for December 2025, making his sudden passing all the more shocking, Reuters reports.
Tributes poured in from across the sporting world, including from Irish boxing legends, musicians, and even his "Dancing on Ice" co‑stars. Many highlighted his resilience, his affection for fans, and his role as both mentor and icon.
Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.
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… pic.twitter.com/JwSaYJe6XE
— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) September 14, 2025
Everybody loved Ricky. May he rest in eternal peace. Our deepest condolences to Campbell, Matthew and all of the Hatton family 💔 pic.twitter.com/9emyHwc7DA
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) September 14, 2025
Hatton often spoke with pride about his Irish roots. His maternal grandfather was from County Dublin, which gave him a strong familial connection to Ireland.
Hatton has said in interviews that he was raised in a very Irish household in Manchester, surrounded by Irish music and culture, and he always embraced his heritage. This connection was part of why he had such a passionate Irish fan base so many Irish supporters traveled to his fights in places like Las Vegas, effectively turning the venues into "home crowds."
As the coroner’s report is awaited, the boxing world will remember Ricky Hatton for more than his titles: they’ll remember the heart he brought to every fight, and the way he fought even when the battle wasn’t in the ring. May he rest in peace.