The Rise and Fall of Ricky Hatton: A Boxing² Journey
Ricky Hatton was more than a boxer; he was a phenomenon. Known as "The Hitman," he was a council estate boy from Manchester who fought his way to world titles and captured the hearts of a nation. His journey was one of spectacular highs inside the ring and profound lows outside of it. He was celebrated for his relentless fighting style and his connection with the fans, who followed him in droves from Manchester to Las Vegas.
This article traces the rise and fall of Ricky Hatton, a journey marked by incredible victories, crushing defeats, and a public battle with personal demons. We will explore his celebrated career, his struggles with mental health and addiction, and the legacy he leaves behind after his tragic death at the age of 46.
Ricky Hatton a very popular British boxing star called “The Hitman,” has passed away at 46 years old. The ex-world champ, who became well-known in the 2000s because of his attacking way of fighting and his supportive fans in Manchester, was discovered at his house in Hyde, Greater Manchester, in September 2025.
The World Boxing Association shared the information in a message: “With great sorrow, the WBA is sad to hear about the death of Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton. A real winner, a fighter who never gave up, and a famous person in the sport. Your impact will continue in every match and in the feelings of boxing lovers everywhere.”
Even though Hatton had stopped boxing in 2012, he shared in July 2025 that he was getting ready to return again, with a match planned for December in Dubai. “I believe it will be a fantastic night," he mentioned then, sharing his happiness about going back into the ring.
The People's Champion: Hatton's Rise to Stardom
Ricky Hatton turned professional in 1997, beginning a career that would make him one of Britain's most popular boxers. Growing up in Manchester, his relatable, everyman persona resonated deeply with the public. He was the local hero who made it big, and his fans adored him for it.
His career ascended rapidly. After winning the British title, he secured a world title in just his 23rd fight. The defining moment of his early career came in 2005, in front of a roaring home crowd in Manchester. Hatton faced the formidable light-welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu. In a grueling, high-pressure fight, Hatton's relentless aggression wore Tszyu down, forcing his corner to pull him out at the end of the 11th round.
It was a monumental victory that earned him the IBF title and cemented his status as a world champion. Hatton's popularity was immense. He famously brought tens of thousands of British fans to Las Vegas for his major fights, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. He was truly the "People's Champion," a fighter who embodied the heart and grit of his working-class roots.
Ricky Hatton Rise to Boxing
Ricky Hatton turned professional in 1997 at a leisure center in Widnes, a far cry from the glittering arenas where he would later make his name. His ascent through the professional ranks was nothing short of spectacular. After winning the British title in his early fights, Hatton captured a version of the world title in just his 23rd professional bout.
The Manchester Arena (MEN Arena) became Hatton's second home, where he fought 12 times between 2001 and 2005. These hometown fights were legendary affairs, with thousands of passionate fans creating an electric atmosphere that became synonymous with Hatton's career. His devoted following, known as "Hatton's Army," would travel across the globe to support their hero.
The defining moment of Hatton's career came in 2005 when he defeated the feared Kostya Tszyu at the MEN Arena. Tszyu, considered one of the most dangerous punchers in the division, was pulled out at the end of the 11th round, unable to continue. This victory earned Hatton the IBF light-welterweight title and established him as a legitimate world champion.
Ricky Hatton fights list includes some of the most memorable bouts in recent boxing history. His career-defining moments came in a trio of world title fights in Las Vegas in 2007, where he faced the sport's elite competition.
The first major test came against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in December 2007. This fight marked Hatton's first professional loss and represented a turning point in his career. Mayweather's superior boxing skills proved too much for the Manchester fighter, ending Hatton's undefeated streak in devastating fashion.
Two years later, Hatton faced another pound-for-pound great in Manny Pacquiao. The 2009 Las Vegas bout ended even more dramatically, with Pacquiao delivering a second-round knockout that sent shockwaves through the boxing world. The brutal knockout, delivered by Pacquiao's left hook, left Hatton unconscious on the canvas and effectively ended his career as an elite-level fighter.
Despite these setbacks, Hatton attempted comebacks, including fights against Juan Lazcano at the Etihad and one final bout at the MEN Arena after initially walking away from the sport in 2009. Unfortunately, he suffered another loss, highlighting the difficulty of returning to boxing's highest level after such devastating defeats.
Ricky Hatton Notable Fights
Hatton's career was defined by several key bouts that showcased his talent and tenacity.
- Kostya Tszyu (2005): Won the IBF light-welterweight title in a career-defining performance in Manchester.
- Carlos Maussa (2005): Unified titles by winning the WBA belt.
- Floyd Mayweather Jr. (2007): His first professional loss in a welterweight title fight in Las Vegas.
- Juan Lazcano (2008): A victorious homecoming fight at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
- Manny Pacquiao (2009): A brutal second-round knockout loss that had a profound impact on his mental health.
His final professional record stood at an impressive 45 wins and 3 losses, with 32 of those wins coming by knockout.
Ricky Hatton Personal Life
Ricky Hatton was a devoted father to three children: his son, Campbell, and two daughters, Millie and Fearne. Campbell followed in his father's footsteps, embarking on a professional boxing career before retiring at 24 to become a solar panel installer.
Hatton's relationships were often in the public eye. Though the question of "Ricky Hatton's wife" is common, he was never married. He was in a long-term relationship with Jennifer Dooley, the mother of two of his children. In 2024, he was publicly linked with actress Claire Sweeney.
He remained a die-hard Manchester City FC supporter and was close friends with Noel and Liam Gallagher of Oasis, who often performed his ring-walk music. His presence on social media, particularly Ricky Hatton's Instagram, gave fans a glimpse into his life, training, and enduring passion for boxing. He also appeared in a documentary titled Hatton, which provided an intimate look at his life and career.
Ricky Hatton Wife and Family
Ricky Hatton was a devoted father to three children: son Campbell and daughters Millie and Fearne. His eldest, Campbell, followed in his father's footsteps by launching a professional boxing career of his own before retiring in 2025.
While discussions about Ricky Hatton wife often surface in media coverage, Hatton's most publicized recent relationship was with actress Claire Sweeney. Ricky Hatton and Claire Sweeney became a notable pairing in British entertainment circles, though details about their relationship remained largely private. Their connection highlighted Hatton's life beyond boxing and his integration into broader British popular culture.
Hatton's family relationships remained central to his identity, even as he struggled with personal challenges following his retirement from professional boxing. His role as a father provided stability and purpose during difficult periods in his life.
The Battle Outside the Ring
After retiring from boxing in 2012, Hatton faced his toughest opponents yet: depression and addiction. The transition away from the spotlight and structure of professional boxing proved incredibly difficult. He was candid about his struggles, admitting in heartbreaking interviews that his life had spiraled out of control.
"I was coming off the rails with my drinking and that led to drugs. It was like a runaway train," he confessed. He spoke openly about his battles with suicidal thoughts, revealing the depth of his pain: "Night after night,” he said, “I just couldn’t kill myself.”
Despite these immense challenges, Hatton confronted his demons. He sought help, remained involved in boxing as a coach, and continued to be a beloved figure in the sport. His honesty about his mental health struggles resonated with many and highlighted the pressures athletes face after retirement.
Ricky Hatton Cause of Death
Ricky Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday, September 14, 2025. He was 46 years old. Police were called to his residence following an alert from a member of the public and confirmed that the death was not being treated as suspicious. At the time of his passing, no official Ricky Hatton cause of death was immediately disclosed.
The news was a profound shock to the boxing world and his countless fans. It came shortly after he had announced a comeback fight scheduled for December in Dubai. He had been posting training videos online, looking fit and ready for one last show. His sudden death left a void in the hearts of many.
Ricky Hatton Movies and Media Presence
Ricky Hatton charismatic personality and widespread popularity led to opportunities beyond boxing, including appearances in movies and television. His natural charm and distinctive Manchester wit made him a sought-after personality for various media projects, though boxing remained his primary focus throughout his life.
His media presence extended to social media platforms, where fans could follow Ricky Hatton Instagram accounts to stay connected with the former champion. These platforms provided insights into his training routines, family life, and ongoing involvement in boxing as a trainer and promoter.
The Las Vegas Dream and Crushing Defeats
Hatton set his sights on the biggest names in boxing. He moved up a weight class to challenge the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. in December 2007. Despite the massive support from his traveling fans, Hatton suffered his first professional loss, a 10th-round TKO. The defeat was a heavy blow, but his spirit remained unbroken.
Less than two years later, in May 2009, Hatton faced another boxing legend, Manny Pacquiao. The fight was devastating. Hatton was knocked out in the second round, a loss he later admitted would "crush him." These two high-profile defeats in Las Vegas marked a turning point in his career and personal life.
Ricky Hatton legacy is complex and enduring. In 2024, he was rightfully inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, a testament to his incredible achievements in the sport. He will be remembered as a two-weight world champion who fought with unparalleled heart and ferocity.
Tributes poured in from all corners of the sport. Fellow fighters like Amir Khan and Tyson Fury mourned the loss of a "warrior" and a "friend." Fans left flowers, scarves, and heartfelt notes outside his home, a final testament to the deep connection he had with the public.
Hatton's story is one of triumph and tragedy, a powerful reminder of the pressures that come with fame and the silent battles many fight. He was a champion in the ring and a human being who faced his flaws with courage and honesty. As he once said of his career, “I had some wars, didn’t I?” He certainly did, both inside and outside the ropes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Ricky Hatton?
Ricky Hatton, the former two-weight world boxing champion, passed away at the age of 46 in September 2025. He was found at his home, and authorities stated his death was not suspicious. After his boxing career, he publicly battled depression and substance abuse.
Was Ricky Hatton in a relationship?
Ricky Hatton was never married but had several public relationships. He was in a long-term partnership with Jennifer Dooley, with whom he had two children. In 2024, he was in a relationship with actress Claire Sweeney.
What is Ricky Hatton famous for?
Ricky Hatton is famous for being one of Britain's most beloved and successful boxers. Known as "The Hitman," he was a world champion in two weight divisions. He was celebrated for his aggressive fighting style and his massive, loyal fanbase that followed him to major fights around the world.
