There's only one Ricky Hatton

Everyone at GM Super News is saddened by the news that Ricky Hatton has died

A true Manchester sporting icon

Authors | Josh T

Hatton won 45 of his 48 professional bouts across an esteemed 15-year career. He last fought professionally in 2012. He earned notable world title wins over Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, before defeats by Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquaio.

A closer look at a remarkable career

Hatton’s down-to-earth demeanour also endeared him to fans across the world, and he was open about the mental health issues he endured upon his retirement from the ring. The zenith of his career came in 2005, when he produced a remarkable performance to beat Australian great Tszyu to win the IBF light-welterweight title in Manchester. 

A few months later he won the WBA belt against Carlos Maussa before being named Fighter of the Year by Ring magazine, the Boxing Writers Association of America, and ESPN. A welterweight world title followed in 2006 after a unanimous-decision victory over Luis Collazo in Boston, Massachusetts.

Tributes

Amir Khan posted on X: 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 isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other."

He added: "Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible.  To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding. Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories. "

Anthony Fowler said: "Feel sick. RIP Ricky Hatton."

Tyson Fury posted on Instagram: "There will only ever be 1Ricky Hatton. Can't believe this so young."