Ricky Hatton, the beloved British boxing icon known as "The Hitman," was tragically found dead at his home in Gee Cross, Hyde, on Sunday, September 14, at the age of 46. Greater Manchester Police confirmed his death is not being treated as suspicious. His passing has plunged the boxing world, his family, friends, and legions of fans into mourning, remembering him not only as a formidable fighter but also as a charismatic and genuinely personable individual. He leaves behind his three children, Campbell, Millie, and Fearne, and his granddaughter Lyla, along with his parents, Carol and Ray Hatton.

Born in Stockport and raised in Hattersley, Hatton's boxing journey began at the age of 12 in the cellar gym of his parents' pub, where customers would cheer him on. Mentored by Billy Graham at Champ's Camp gym in Moss Side, he turned professional at 18 after a brief amateur career. His ascent was swift, winning the British light-welterweight title in 2000 and establishing the M.E.N. Arena as his personal kingdom with numerous sell-out WBU light-welterweight title defenses. His defining moment came in June 2005 when, as a significant underdog, he defeated the highly-regarded IBF world champion Kostya Tszyu in a gruelling fight, solidifying his status as a world champion and creating one of British boxing's greatest nights.

A lifelong Manchester City fan, Hatton famously entered the ring to "Blue Moon" and fought in the club's sky-blue colours. His all-action, crowd-pleasing fighting style, combined with his open and down-to-earth personality, earned him immense popularity. He was known for his love of a pint and a fry-up, which often led to his weight fluctuating between fights, earning him the affectionate nickname "Ricky Fatton." This self-deprecating humor only endeared him further to his fans. His professional record boasted 45 wins, 32 by knockout, and only 3 losses over a distinguished 15-year career. Major fights included his American debut against Luis Collazo in 2006, a victory over Mexican great Jose Luis Castillo in Las Vegas in 2007, and a high-profile clash with all-time great Floyd Mayweather later that year, which resulted in his first professional defeat despite an estimated 30,000 British fans travelling to support him. In 2008, his friends Noel and Liam Gallagher of Oasis famously carried his world title belts into the ring for his fight against Paulie Malignaggi, a moment Hatton described as a career highlight.

Despite his remarkable success and estimated £35 million fortune, Hatton faced profound personal struggles. After hanging up his gloves, he grappled with mental health issues, depression, and addiction problems, including alcohol and drug use. He openly admitted to attempting suicide multiple times, describing hitting "rock bottom" and not caring "whether I lived or died." A bitter, decade-long rift with his parents, Carol and Ray, over money, which escalated to a physical altercation, contributed significantly to his decline. He also faced a court battle with his former trainer, Billy Graham, over unpaid wages, though they later reconciled, with Graham leaving a poignant tribute saying, "Sorry I wasn't there for you." His devastating second-round knockout loss to Manny Pacquiao in 2009 led to his first retirement and a deep depression. After a photograph of him snorting a substance appeared in the media in 2010, Hatton admitted himself to rehab at The Priory. In February 2019, he reconciled with his parents, realizing the importance of making amends before it was too late. In recent years, Hatton became a vocal and courageous advocate for mental health awareness, particularly for retired boxers. He spoke candidly about his own experiences, stating, "If a boxer can come out and say they're struggling and crying every day, it's going to make a huge difference." Earlier this year, in March, he opened a new mental health unit at North Manchester General Hospital, embodying his commitment to helping others.

Ricky was a devoted father and grandfather. He welcomed his son Campbell in 2001 with former partner Claire, and later daughters Millie and Fearne with former fiancée Jennifer Dooley. His granddaughter Lyla, Campbell's daughter, was born in 2018. Just weeks before his death, Hatton proudly shared photos with Lyla on her 7th birthday and with his daughters in Tenerife, showcasing his strong family bonds. Despite his worldwide fame, Hatton remained deeply connected to his roots in Hattersley, where he said people treated him "like everybody else," often joking, "Come on, Fatty, get the drinks in, it's your round." He briefly dated former Brookside star Claire Sweeney after meeting on ITV's Dancing On Ice.

The news of Hatton's death triggered an immense outpouring of grief and tributes from across the globe. Manny Pacquiao expressed deep sadness, remembering Hatton as "not only a great fighter inside the ring but also a brave and kind man in life," highlighting their "unforgettable moments." Tyson Fury hailed him as a "legend," stating there would "only ever be 1 Ricky hatton." Amir Khan, a close friend, described him as a "mentor, warrior, and one of Britain's greatest boxers," emphasizing the importance of discussing mental health struggles. Other notable figures like Anthony Joshua, Chris Eubank Sr, Frank Warren, Tommy Fury, Paddy McGuinness, Olly Murs, and footballers such as Phil Foden, Roy Keane, and Micah Richards also shared their condolences. Locally, fans laid flowers and mementos at his Hyde home and gym, remembering him as "The Pride of Hyde." During the Manchester Derby, a minute's applause was held in his memory at the Etihad Stadium. Many fans shared personal anecdotes, recalling his humor, humility, and willingness to engage with ordinary people, embodying his legacy as a "Mancunian legend gone too soon."