British boxer Ricky Hatton, a former two-division world champion, has died on the age of 46, the World Boxing Affiliation mentioned on Sunday.
Nicknamed ‘the Hitman’, Hatton received the WBA, IBO and IBF light-welterweight titles and the WBA welterweight world championship throughout his 15-year skilled profession earlier than retiring in 2012.
He had been because of make a comeback for an occasion in Dubai later this yr.
“A real champion, an indomitable spirit, and a legend of the game. Your legacy will dwell on in each combat and within the hearts of boxing followers around the globe,” the WBA mentioned in a press release.
Better Manchester Police mentioned in a press release {that a} physique had been discovered on Sunday morning at an handle in Hyde within the northern English metropolis.
“The demise just isn’t being handled as suspicious,” the police spokesperson mentioned.
Hatton had 45 wins in 48 bouts over his profession however within the years after he retired he mentioned he had tried to kill himself a number of instances and had been open about his battle with despair, drink and medicines.
“I used to be coming off the rails with my ingesting and that led to medication. It was like a runaway practice,” he informed BBC radio in 2016.
Hatton’s finest efficiency got here in 2005 when he stopped Australian Kostya Tszyu so as to add the IBF light-welterweight title to the WBU belt he already held.
He had an ideal 43-0 document till he was floored by Floyd Mayweather Jr in Las Vegas in 2007 and was by no means the identical once more.
Hatton’s second loss got here in 2009 when Manny Pacquiao knocked him out.
“Right this moment we misplaced not solely one among Britain’s biggest boxers, however a good friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton,” former light-welterweight champion and fellow British boxer Amir Khan posted on X.
“Ricky, thanks for all the pieces. On your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thanks for pushing us, exhibiting us what’s doable… you’ll at all times have your house within the ring of our reminiscences.”
