The boxing world, and indeed the entire city of Manchester, is reeling from the heartbreaking news of Ricky Hatton’s untimely death at the age of just 46. The former world champion, affectionately known as “The Hitman,” was discovered at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, early on a Sunday morning, leaving behind a legacy that transcended the ring and touched countless lives. As tributes pour in from fellow sports icons, two of Manchester’s most celebrated footballers—Jack Grealish and Wayne Rooney—have stepped forward with deeply personal words that capture the essence of the man they admired.
Hatton, born in Stockport in 1978, rose from humble beginnings to become one of Britain’s most beloved fighters. His professional career, spanning from 1997 to 2012, was a rollercoaster of triumphs and heartaches, boasting an impressive record of 45 wins in 48 bouts. What made him truly special wasn’t just the titles—he claimed world honors at light-welterweight and welterweight—but the raw passion he brought to every fight. His iconic upset victory over the unbeaten Kostya Tszyu in 2005 at Manchester’s MEN Arena remains etched in boxing folklore as one of the sport’s greatest nights. That win, under the guidance of trainer Billy Graham, propelled Hatton to national stardom, earning him the Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year award and cementing his status as a hero to working-class fans across the UK.
Hatton’s journey wasn’t without its shadows. He scaled the heights, defeating Carlos Maussa for the WBA light-welterweight crown and later Luis Collazo for the welterweight version, but suffered devastating losses to legends like Floyd Mayweather in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009. Those defeats took a toll, leading to a brief retirement in 2011 and a short-lived comeback in 2012, where he fell to Vyacheslav Senchenko. Yet, Hatton’s resilience shone through; he was honored with an MBE in 2007 for his services to sport. Just days before his passing, he shared glimpses of his rigorous training on social media, teasing an exciting return to the ring against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai on December 2. The caption, “Thursday session in the bag. #hitman #bluemoon #getupthereboy,” hinted at the fire still burning in the 46-year-old warrior.
Beyond the gloves and the glory, Hatton was a man of profound depth, openly sharing his battles with mental health and addiction that plagued him long after the crowds faded. In candid reflections, he revealed the darkness that followed his defeats: attempts to end his own life, nights lost to despair, and a spiral into alcohol and drugs that felt like an unstoppable force. “I tried to kill myself several times,” he once confided, describing how he’d sit in the dark, knife in hand, overwhelmed by misery. “It was like a runaway train.” His 2023 documentary laid bare these struggles—depression, shame, family estrangements, and the end of his long-term relationship with Jennifer Dooley, with whom he shared a Cheshire home dubbed the ‘Heartbreak Hotel.’ Despite it all, Hatton rebuilt his life, cherishing time with his son Campbell, daughters Millie and Fearne, and granddaughter Lyla. His vulnerability made him relatable, turning him from a boxing idol into a symbol of hope for those fighting their own unseen battles.
Hatton’s heart beat in blue, as a lifelong Manchester City supporter whose passion for the club was as fierce as his punches. His Hyde home proudly flew a City flag in the garden, and he was set to attend the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium, where a corporate hospitality table awaited. The club, devastated by the loss, remembered him as “one of City’s most loved and revered supporters,” highlighting his glittering career and unwavering loyalty. In a poignant gesture during the derby, both Manchester City and Manchester United players donned black armbands, and the stadium fell silent for a minute’s applause—a rare moment of unity in a fierce rivalry, honoring the man who walked into fights to the strains of “Blue Moon.” Hatton’s love for Oasis added another layer to his Mancunian soul; tales of him belting out tunes with the Gallagher brothers became the stuff of legend.
It is in this spirit of camaraderie that Jack Grealish, the Manchester City winger and fellow blue-blooded enthusiast, paid a moving tribute on social media. Grealish, who shared Hatton’s infectious energy and love for the game, wrote, “Ahhhh man RIP legend. Such sad news man. An absolute diamond every time I met him! True legend. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. RIP Hitman.” The words struck a chord, evoking memories of Hatton’s warmth and charisma, qualities that made every encounter feel like a celebration.
Joining Grealish in his grief was Wayne Rooney, the Manchester United icon and longtime friend of Hatton. Rooney, who once carried Hatton’s belts into the ring for a high-stakes 2007 bout in Las Vegas against Jose Luis Castillo—a night he later described as one of the most nerve-wracking of his life—expressed his devastation succinctly yet powerfully: “Devastated. A legend, a warrior, and a great person. Thoughts are with all Ricky’s family.” On his podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show, he delved deeper, reminiscing about the fighter’s appeal. “It was one of the most nervous I have ever been. Ricky hadn’t lost at that time. He was relatable, good fun, and someone who captured the nation with the support he got all around the world. This is devastating, heartbreaking, and way too soon.” Rooney’s words painted Hatton not just as a champion, but as a magnetic personality who bridged divides in sport and society.
As Manchester mourns, Hatton’s influence ripples far beyond the squared circle. Friends had grown concerned when he missed a gym session and a local fight night featuring one of his protégés, Jack Murphy, the evening before his body was found. Police confirmed no foul play, but the sudden void left by his absence is palpable. From the raucous pubs of Greater Manchester to the global stages where he once dazzled, Hatton’s story is one of unyielding spirit—a reminder that true legends are forged not only in victory, but in the courage to face the fight within. His family, friends, and fans worldwide hold onto the joy he brought, ensuring “The Hitman” lives on in every heartfelt chant of “Blue Moon.” Rest in peace, Ricky.
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