Ricky Hatton dies at 46: Manny Pacquiao pays emotional tribute

Ricky Hatton, the hugely popular British boxer who once reigned as a world champion in two weight divisions and captured the imagination of fight fans on both sides of the Atlantic, has died at the age of 46. He was found at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday, September 14.

Known affectionately as “The Hitman,” Hatton became one of the UK’s most beloved sports figures, his raucous blue-clad supporters often turning Las Vegas into a sea of Manchester chants on fight nights. Over a 15-year professional career, he compiled a record of 45 wins and just 3 defeats, with 32 victories coming by knockout. His relentless, body-punching style and down-to-earth charisma made him as popular outside the ring as he was formidable within it.

Hatton rose to prominence in the early 2000s, winning the IBF light-welterweight title in 2005 with a stunning victory over Kostya Tszyu. He later captured belts at welterweight, cementing his reputation as one of Britain’s finest fighters of his generation. At his peak, Hatton went undefeated through his first 43 bouts before suffering his first loss against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007 in Las Vegas.

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Two years later, on May 2, 2009, Hatton stepped into the ring with Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Arena. In front of a global audience, Pacquiao delivered one of his most devastating performances, knocking Hatton down twice in the opening round before finishing the contest with a brutal second-round knockout. The defeat marked a turning point in Hatton’s career and personal life, with the fighter later admitting to struggles with alcohol, drugs, and mental health.

Yet Hatton’s resilience—and his honesty about those struggles—endeared him even more to the public. He spoke openly about depression and suicidal thoughts, becoming an advocate for mental health awareness among athletes.

Tributes poured in from across the boxing world on Sunday. Manny Pacquiao, his opponent on that fateful night in 2009, remembered Hatton not only as a rival but also as a man of character.

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 honor the respect and sportsmanship he showed. Ricky fought…

— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) September 14, 2025

“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 honor 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,” Pacquiao wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“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,” he added.

Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s long-time trainer and a figure who knew Hatton well, called him a unique presence in the sport. “Ricky had a wonderful sense of humour, but more importantly he was a warrior and a winner. There will be only one Ricky Hatton.”

Just this past July, Hatton had announced plans to come out of retirement for an exhibition bout against fellow 46-year-old Eisa Al Dah in Dubai this December, a decision that underscored his enduring love for the sport.

From his raucous ring walks—often to the tune of “Blue Moon”—to his unforgettable nights under the bright lights of Las Vegas, Hatton leaves behind a legacy defined by courage, vulnerability, and the connection he forged with fans.

He will be remembered not only as one of Britain’s greatest champions but also as a fighter who embodied both the triumphs and struggles of life in and out of the ring.

Ricky Hatton is survived by his children and will be remembered with affection and respect throughout the boxing world.

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