By Tim Parsons-
The shocking news of the Ricky Hatton death has sent waves of sadness through the boxing world. Tributes poured in for the British former world champion who was found dead at his home in Hyde. Hatton, affectionately known as “The Hitman,” was one of the most famous British fighters of his time. He claimed multiple world titles before his retirement in 2012. After his career ended, he spoke openly about his personal battles with depression and alcohol. Greater Manchester police stated they are not treating his passing as suspicious.
Ricky Hatton training at a Manchester gym in 2003. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian
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Friends and fellow fighters immediately began sharing their condolences. Hatton had been training for an exhibition match in Dubai, his first contest in 13 years. Amir Khan, another former world champion, called Hatton “one of Britain’s greatest boxers.” Khan also spoke about his friend’s courageousness and mental health. He noted that sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence within the mind. Furthermore, he emphasized that mental health is a part of being human and encouraged everyone to talk about it and lean on each other for support.
Tyson Fury, the former world heavyweight champion, also paid his respects. He wrote on Instagram alongside two photos of them together, “Rip to the legend @rickyhatton may he rip. There will only ever be 1 Ricky hatton. can’t believe this so young.”
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BBC boxing pundit Steve Bunce expressed his shock. He said the news was “unbelievably shocking” as Hatton had seemed to be in a very good place. Just days earlier, Hatton had shared videos of himself training. Bunce revealed that Hatton’s return to training had been his salvation. However, Hatton failed to show up at a boxing match on Friday. Someone then went to his house and found the shocking news this morning.
Sports World Reacts to Ricky Hatton Death
The sudden Ricky Hatton death was also acknowledged by the football world. Fans of Manchester City and Manchester United held a minute’s appreciation for him at the derby match at the Etihad. Manchester City, the club Hatton passionately supported, called him “an icon of British boxing.”
A minute’s applause in tribute to Ricky Hatton before the Manchester derby. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images/Reuters
In a statement, City said they were “devastated” and considered Hatton one of the sport’s most compelling personalities. The statement continued: “Hatton wore sky blue shorts and used Blue Moon as his walkout song throughout his career. Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters, who will always be remembered for a glittering boxing career that saw him win world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight. Everyone at the club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Manchester United responded to City’s post with a message of their own. They wrote: “Sending our heartfelt condolences to Ricky’s loved ones on the loss of a legend of our city.”
City midfielder Phil Foden spoke to Sky Sports News before the game. He conveyed his deep shock and the team’s determination to honor Hatton. “My heart obviously goes out to his family, at this hard time. Obviously to hear the news just before a big game is devastating. I’m sure he would have been here today as well, supporting us. Today is for him and we’re going to try to get the win and do the best we can for him,” he said.
A Boxing Legend’s Legacy
The Ring magazine stated it was “deeply saddened” to learn of the former super-lightweight champion’s passing. IFL TV, another boxing outlet, described Hatton as “a legend of a man inside and outside the ring, he was truly one of a kind.”
The British boxer, who won 45 of his 48 professional bouts, first entered the ring as a pro in 1997. He secured notable world title wins against Kostya Tszyu in 2005 and Jose Luis Castillo in 2007. Later in his career, he suffered high-profile defeats against the great Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
Tributes appeared at the gates of Hatton’s property, called The Heartbreak, soon after the news broke. One handwritten card read: “We can’t gather our thoughts at present so we’re not sure what to write. Devastated is the only thing that comes to mind. Thank you for being the beautiful soul you are.”
Stephen Billing, a 46-year-old friend of Hatton’s, was there to mourn. He said he was “shaking, in shock.” He then draped a blue-and-white Manchester City scarf marked “RIP Ricky” alongside bouquets of flowers. Billing, a fellow City fan, had known Hatton for years through their shared struggles with alcoholism. He last spoke with the former boxer about three months ago. “He was hard as nails, we all know that, but not in a bad way,” Billing said. “He was a proper local lad, down to earth. You wouldn’t think he was a professional boxer with millions and millions of pounds.”
For more on the boxing world, read about Tyson Fury’s legacy on theeyeofmedia.com and find information about Ricky Hatton’s career on the BBC Sport website.
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