Ricky Hatton, an iconic and beloved figure in British sport, has died aged 46. Hatton was a former two-division world champion and one of the sport's most popular fighters. His victory over Kostya Tszyu was an epic moment and brought a huge crowd to Las Vegas.
Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 46.
Hutton was found dead at his home in Hyde on Sunday morning. Greater Manchester Police said they were not treating the death as suspicious.
A police spokesman said: “Officers were called by a local resident to Boulacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6.45am this morning where the body of a 46-year-old man was discovered. There are currently no suspicious circumstances.”
During his 15-year professional career, Hatton became world champion in the featherweight division several times and in the welterweight division once.
The great British boxer was due to return to the ring in December.
Hatton's stellar career included epic fights with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, and a legendary victory over Kostya Tszyu.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player.
Sky Sports' Craig Slater remembers Ricky Hatton and reflects on the career of one of Britain's greatest boxers
Fury, Joshua and Pacquiao lead tribute teams
Former heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have paid tribute to Hatton.
Fury, who worked closely with Hatton during his return to the ring, wrote: “RIP. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can't believe it. So young.”
Joshua said: “One of the best to do it. Our British hero.”
Hatton enjoyed huge popularity outside his sport too. Wayne Rooney said: “Devastated. A legend, a warrior and a great man. My thoughts are with all the Ricky family.”
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao was Hatton's rival, but they also had connections outside the ring.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was not only a great fighter in the ring, but also a brave and kind man in life. We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history, and I will always honor his respect and sportsmanship,” Pacquiao said.
“Ricky fought bravely not only in the ring but throughout his life. He really put up a good fight and we are all happy to have been a part of his amazing journey.”
My prayers and deepest condolences to the Hutton family and all his loved ones. May God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Rest in peace.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player.
Roy Keane and Micah Richards reflect on the life of Ricky Hatton following the news of the British boxing legend's death aged 46.
“He left everything in the ring – that's why the fans loved him”
Roy Keane has said British boxing legend Hatton was a 'warrior' after his death aged 46.
“This guy was a warrior, so the fans loved watching him in the ring. He gave everything to this sport,” Keane said.
“They thought so highly of him and he gave it his all in the ring. Absolutely shocking news.”
“The Icon and the Man of the People”
Micah Richards was devastated to learn of Hutton's tragic death.
He said: “This news is absolutely shocking. I was shocked, to be honest. He is an icon, a British boxing and sporting icon. A true Manchester City fan, but most importantly he was a man of the people.”
“He was the nicest guy in the world. I went to his gym and I was a little nervous. I don't know anything about boxing, but he took his time [with me].
“He put so much time and effort into this. He was a deep man, very deep. This news is just devastating. It seems unreal. For someone so young, it's just devastating.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player.
Former boxer and Sky Sports Boxing pundit Spencer Oliver has paid tribute to close friend Ricky Hatton, who has died aged 46.
“One of the last heroes of the working class”
Sky Sports Boxing's Andy Scott said Hatton's ability to connect with fans made him a unique talent.
“No matter what capacity you worked with Ricky, he treated everyone the same,” he said. “He held an open workout in Hyde before the Pacquiao fight, and I went there not really knowing what I was doing, but he made me feel like a millionaire.”
“He gave you his time and was the funniest guy, a real hero among the workers.
“He was one of the last working-class heroes who, despite his background, achieved what he achieved and that it resonated with so many different people. He inspired the public with his energy.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player.
Sky Sports' Andy Scott looks back on the legendary career of Ricky Hatton following the news of the British boxer's death aged 46.
“A wonderful person”
Sky Sports' Craig Slater said British sport had lost a man who truly captured the imagination of the boxing public.
“He was a wonderful man,” he said. “I was lucky enough to be his friend. I knew him before he became a professional athlete, and this is terrible news for all of us who knew him.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player.
Ricky 'Hitman' Hatton dethroned fearsome IBF world champion Kostya Tszyu in front of an army of Manchester fans.
“His career was undoubtedly one of the most remarkable in British boxing. He produced some of the most unprecedented nights in British boxing history, which took the sport to new heights and attracted new audiences. He was unique.”
“We can talk about his records and the number of fans who followed him around the world, but he was a beloved son, father and friend of many people who did so much good.
“What was great about him was that he was so humble, quiet, and shy at the same time. He wasn't someone who liked to be the center of attention.
“In terms of box office takings and publicity, Ricky Hatton has done more of that than anyone else in the last half century of British boxing.”
Tribute to Hutton
Twitter This content is provided by Twitter, which may use cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to change your settings to enable Twitter cookies or allow these cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time in your privacy settings. Unfortunately, we could not check whether you have given consent to Twitter cookies. To view this content, you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable cookies Allow cookies once Twitter This content is provided by Twitter, which may use cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to change your settings to enable Twitter cookies or allow these cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time in your privacy settings. Unfortunately, we could not check whether you have given consent to Twitter cookies. To view this content, you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable cookies Allow cookies once Twitter This content is provided by Twitter, which may use cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to change your settings to enable Twitter cookies or allow these cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time through your privacy settings. Unfortunately, we could not check whether you consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content, you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies just for this session. Enable cookies Allow cookies once Twitter This content is provided by Twitter, which may use cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to change your settings to enable Twitter cookies or allow these cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time through your privacy settings. Unfortunately, we could not check whether you consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content, you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies just for this session. Enable cookies Allow cookies once Twitter This content is provided by Twitter, which may use cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to change your settings to enable Twitter cookies or allow these cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time through your privacy settings. Unfortunately, we could not check whether you consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content, you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies just for this session. Enable cookies Allow cookies once Twitter This content is provided by Twitter, which may use cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to change your settings to enable Twitter cookies or allow these cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time through your privacy settings. Unfortunately, we could not check whether you consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content, you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies just for this session. Enable cookies Allow cookies once
A unique career
During his boxing career, which lasted from 1997 to 2012, Hatton repeatedly became world champion in the welterweight and super lightweight divisions.
As he rose through the ranks, he built up a loyal fan base and won the British featherweight title in 2000. His popularity extended beyond the sport.
In 2005, on one of the most memorable nights in British boxing history, he dethroned the great Kostya Tszyu to become world champion at the MEN Arena in his hometown of Manchester, becoming the division’s best fighter. He then beat Carlos Maussa to unify the IBF and WBA titles.
In the photo: Hatton's victory over Kostya Tszyu was a brilliant triumph.
The following year, Hatton made his debut at welterweight, winning the WBA world title with a win over Luis Collazo. After regaining the IBF featherweight title in 2007, he drew a crowd to Las Vegas to face another great, Floyd Mayweather. The American superstar handed Hatton his first professional defeat.
He showed the best he could in his era when he returned to Las Vegas to fight Manny Pacquiao in 2009.
Hatton retired in 2011 but returned in 2012, where he lost to Vyacheslav Senchenko. His return was planned for later this year.
Sourse: skysports.com
