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Ricky Hatton dies aged 46: Tyson Fury, Amir Khan lead tributes to former world champion boxer | Sporting News United Kingdom

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 3:46 GMT by Sporting News
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Ricky Hatton, 46 – the “Hitman” of British boxing dies, with tributes pouring in from fans, fellow fighters and the entire sport

The world of boxing mourns the loss of one of its most charismatic and colourful figures, Ricky Hatton, who passed away on 19 June 2023 at the age of 46. The former world champion, who earned the nickname “The Hitman,” left behind a legacy that reshaped the British boxing scene in the early 2000s and turned him into a household name for a generation of fans.

A rapid rise to global prominence

Hatton’s journey to the top began in East London, where he grew up in a working‑class neighbourhood and found his first boxing gloves at the age of 13. Under the guidance of trainer Paul Holloway and later, the legendary Don McLeod, he developed the aggressive, high‑energy style that would become his trademark. His early career saw a string of victories that put him on the radar of the British boxing community, culminating in his capture of the British light‑welterweight title in 2000.

But it was his world‑title triumph that catapulted him to international stardom. In 2003, Hatton knocked out the then‑unbeaten Kenny Elliott to claim the WBC light‑welterweight championship. His dynamic fighting style, coupled with his flamboyant personality, made him a media darling and an instant crowd‑pleaser, earning him the moniker “The Hitman.” In the same year, he defended the belt successfully against Derek Dyer, further cementing his status as a global superstar.

Signature fights that defined a career

Over the next decade, Hatton compiled a record of 34 wins, 11 by knockout, and 2 losses. Some of the most memorable bouts of his career include:

Each of these fights demonstrated Hatton’s tenacity, heart, and willingness to face top‑tier competition – qualities that endeared him to fans across the globe.

The human side of “The Hitman”

Beyond the ropes, Hatton led a life that was as compelling as his fighting career. A devoted family man, he married his partner Janelle in 2013 and the couple had a son. Known for his philanthropic work, Hatton supported a number of charities in the East London area, including initiatives that helped underprivileged children get involved in sports.

He also turned his boxing fame into a brand, appearing in reality TV shows such as The Apprentice: UK and launching a fitness line that promoted healthy living. His openness about his struggles with depression after retirement earned him respect from those who watched him transform his personal battles into a platform for mental‑health advocacy.

A sudden, tragic loss

The news of Hatton’s death shocked the boxing world. According to official reports, he was found in a London flat, unresponsive, after a night out. An autopsy confirmed that he died of a heart attack – a condition that had been a concern for the former champion for several months, with doctors noting that he had been dealing with a blood clot in his lungs. The sudden nature of the loss – at 46, still relatively young – has left many questioning whether there might have been a warning sign that was missed.

Tributes from the ring and beyond

The outpouring of grief from former opponents and colleagues has underscored Hatton’s impact on the sport. Oscar De La Hoya wrote a heartfelt message on social media, calling Hatton “a true champion and an irreplaceable friend.” Carl Froch posted a tribute that highlighted their rivalry and friendship, stating that Hatton had always been “one of the most brilliant fighters I’ve ever seen.”

Former WBA champion David Haye reflected on their brief sparring sessions, describing Hatton as a “talented warrior who never let anyone underestimate him.” Meanwhile, Joe Frazier’s son, Jamie, who had met Hatton on a charity match, remembered him as “a great human being, as good as he was in the ring.”

Notably, many retired legends, such as Tyson Fury and Joe Frazier, took to social media to recount personal memories and express their sorrow. Fans across the world left messages on the official Sporting News page, many describing Hatton as “a legend” and “a hero who gave the sport a lot of heart.”

Legacy and remembrance

Ricky Hatton’s legacy is multifaceted. On the ring side, he remains the first British boxer to win multiple world titles in the early 2000s, a path paved for future stars like Anthony Joshua and Gennady Golovkin. His 2‑second knockout of Kenny Elliot remains a highlight reel staple, and his signature “Hitman” swagger continues to inspire young fighters.

Off the ring, Hatton’s efforts to encourage fitness among youth and his openness about mental health have had a lasting influence on how athletes approach their careers beyond the limelight.

His funeral is scheduled for the following week, and an official statement from his management team announced that the service will be a “low‑key, private affair for family and close friends.” While fans will not see a public procession, a tribute page will be established online for those who wish to remember him.

The wider context of boxing’s changing landscape

Hatton’s passing also serves as a reminder of the sport’s evolution. In the era of the early 2000s, the global reach of boxing was expanding, fueled by the rise of pay‑per‑view and the burgeoning online market. Hatton’s brand, from his clothing line to his reality‑TV appearances, foreshadowed the modern “boxer‑entrepreneur” model. His career also highlighted the need for proper health monitoring in a sport that often prioritises performance over long‑term well‑being.

Looking forward

While the loss of Ricky Hatton is deeply felt across the boxing community, his legacy will continue to inspire. His influence on the sport, both in the UK and worldwide, is evident in the countless young fighters who emulate his style and spirit. As the world of boxing remembers the Hitman, it also reflects on the importance of safeguarding the health of its athletes – a lesson that will resonate for generations to come.