Ricky Hatton’s Family Speaks Out After Heartbreaking Passing in Manchester
The boxing world and Manchester, likewise, are in mourning. Ricky Hatton, the former world bantamweight champion, has failed at the age of 46.
His family has released an emotional statement, describing their “ bottomless ” sense of loss while thanking suckers for the inviting support during this painful time.
Hatton was discovered at his Hyde, Greater Manchester home on Sunday, 14 September. Greater Manchester Police verified no suspicious circumstances surrounded his death.
A Fighter Beyond the Ring
The statement issued by Hatton’s family spoke volumes about the man behind the gloves.
It began: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard.”
They continued, “Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son.
A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many. He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.”
RIP
“Ricky Hatton”Ricky Hatton’s fight against his demons – as he dies aged 46: he’d ‘reached rock bottom’ and wanted to ‘drink and drug himself to death’ pic.twitter.com/eIG1bufUxQ
— Make Europe Great Again – M.E.G.A (@ScaryEurope) September 15, 2025
The family went on to highlight the qualities that defined Hatton, “He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport.
But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.
As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.
It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.
At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him.
In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy, both in boxing and as a man, will continue to live on.
Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.”
Manchester Pays Tribute
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham expressed his condolences and vowed to honour Hatton’s memory.
On social media, he wrote, “Ricky was much loved by so many in Greater Manchester.
He was the kind of person who would always turn up for people, supporting so many causes.
He made us smile and made us proud. We will find a way of honouring him properly. Rest in peace, Champ.”
The city’s sporting community also came together. Before Sunday’s Manchester derby, a minute’s applause was observed at the Etihad Stadium in his memory.
Phil Foden, City’s midfielder, told Sky Sports, “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 hi,m and we’re going to try to get the win and do the best we can for him.”
A Career Defined by Heart and Hustle
Hatton reached the zenith of his career in Manchester itself, famously defeating Kostya Tszyu in 2005 at the Manchester Arena to claim the IBF bantamweight title.
He went on to become one of the most famed fighters in British boxing history.
Paeans poured in at his Hyde home, where suckers left flowers and Manchester City shirts in memory of the man who had become an original idol.
Rivals Reflect on Hatton’s Legacy
Manny Pacquiao, one of Hatton’s fiercest rivals, paid tribute on Instagram: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was not only a great fighter inside the ring but also a brave and kind man in life.
We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history and I will always honour the respect and sportsmanship he showed.
Ricky fought bravely, not just in the ring, but in his journey through life. He truly had a good fight, and we are all blessed to have been part of his wonderful journey.
My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Hatton family and all his loved ones. May the Lord give you strength and comfort in this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”
Ricky Hatton’s end leaves a void in the world of sport, but his heritage will continue to inspire.
His courage in the ring, liberality outside it, and fidelity to family and suckers likewise have left an unforgettable mark on Manchester and the boxing world.
The megacity is now rallying to recognise his memory, a testament to the fighter who gave his all, both on and off the field.
