In a devastating blow to the boxing world, British legend Ricky Hatton, known as “The Hitman,” has tragically passed away at 46, found unresponsive at his Greater Manchester home on September 14, 2025. The former world champion, who retired in 2012 after a glittering career with titles at light-welterweight and welterweight, leaves behind three children but no wife or girlfriend, sparking an outpouring of grief from fans and fighters alike. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the death is not suspicious, but details remain private, leaving tributes to flood social media (#RIPHitman) as the nation mourns a man who embodied resilience and heart.
Hatton, a lifelong Manchester City fan, won six world titles and was celebrated for his all-action style, drawing 350,000 British viewers for his 2007 bout against Floyd Mayweather. His final social media post showed him training for a planned comeback against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai on December 2, 2025, a testament to his unbreakable spirit despite battles with depression and alcohol. “Ricky fought bravely, not just in the ring, but in life,” Manny Pacquiao posted, while Tyson Fury shared, “There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton.”
Hatton’s personal life was marked by highs and lows. He shared three children—son Campbell (24), who retired from boxing in 2025 to pursue music, and daughters Holly and Millie—with ex-partner Jennifer Dooley, from whom he split in 2015 after 10 years. No current partner was publicly known, and Hatton’s openness about mental health struggles endeared him to many. His brother Matthew posted a collage tribute: “I love you Richard. See you on the other side.”
The boxing community is shattered. Amir Khan called him “a friend, mentor, warrior,” and Piers Morgan lamented, “RIP to the legend.” Hatton’s MBE for services to sport and induction into Manchester’s Hall of Fame cement his legacy. As flowers pile up outside his Hyde home, questions linger about his final days, but his impact endures. Was the comeback his last fight against demons? As fans grieve, Hatton’s children inherit a father’s unyielding spirit.
