Ricky Hatton earlier than the battle Motion in opposition to Marco Antonio Barrera in AO Enviornment, Manchester, Britain – November 12, 2022. — Reuters
British boxer Ricky Hatton, a former two-division world champion, has died on the age of 46, the World Boxing Affiliation stated on Sunday.
Nicknamed ‘the Hitman’, Hatton gained the WBA, IBO and IBF light-welterweight titles and the WBA welterweight world championship throughout his 15-year skilled profession earlier than retiring in 2012.
He had been because of make a comeback for an occasion in Dubai later this yr.
“A true champion, an indomitable spirit, and a legend of the sport. Your legacy will live on in every fight and in the hearts of boxing fans around the world,” the WBA stated in an announcement.
Larger Manchester Police stated in an announcement {that a} physique had been discovered on Sunday morning at an tackle in Hyde within the northern English metropolis.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious,” the police spokesperson stated.
Hatton had 45 wins in 48 bouts over his profession however within the years after he retired he stated he had tried to kill himself a number of occasions and had been open about his wrestle with despair, drink and medicines.
“I was coming off the rails with my drinking and that led to drugs. It was like a runaway train,” he advised BBC radio in 2016.
Hatton’s finest efficiency got here in 2005 when he stopped Australian Kostya Tszyu so as to add the IBF light-welterweight title to the WBU belt he already held.
He had an ideal 43-0 report till he was floored by Floyd Mayweather Jr in Las Vegas in 2007 and was by no means the identical once more.
Hatton’s second loss got here in 2009 when Manny Pacquiao knocked him out.
“Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton,” former light-welterweight champion and fellow British boxer Amir Khan posted on X.
“Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible… you’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”
