A truly devastating piece of news has irreparably ruined what was meant to be a wonderful weekend for boxing. Former super lightweight and welterweight world champion Ricky Hatton, known as “The Hitman”, was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester by police. He was only 46 years old.
Official sources have not yet clarified the cause of death, but the police statement said the circumstances surrounding Hatton’s passing “are not being treated as suspicious.” For those who knew the recent history of the hugely popular English ex-athlete, it is impossible not to recall his struggles with mental health and his past suicide attempts, which he himself admitted publicly.
Hatton was loved above all because in the ring he always gave his heart and never held anything back. His warrior nature emerged as early as when he was just 22 years old and traveled all the way to Detroit for what was supposed to be a routine fight. Cut badly on the face by the modest Gilbert Quiros and on the verge of being stopped by the doctor due to the blood pouring from his wound, Ricky stormed at his opponent with wild fury, knocking him out in the second round and avoiding disaster.
After winning the minor WBU belt, Hatton defended it fifteen times, gaining experience and perfecting what became his sharpest weapon: a left uppercut to the body destined to be his trademark.
Having done the hard work, the Englishman lived the most extraordinary and unforgettable night of his career in June 2005, when he forced the great IBF super lightweight world champion Kostya Tszyu to retire after eleven furious rounds fought at a relentless pace.
He later added the WBA welterweight world title to his record with a hard-fought victory over the tough Luis Collazo. Hatton remained unbeaten for 43 consecutive fights before being knocked out by the legendary Floyd Mayweather Jr. It was a loss Ricky accepted with sportsmanship, though he never hid his bitterness over the refereeing of Joe Cortez, who constantly broke up the clinches with endless interruptions.
After two convincing victories, Hatton crossed paths with another all-time great: the formidable Manny Pacquiao, who stopped him in two rounds, effectively ending his career at the elite level. A comeback attempt three and a half years later proved unsuccessful.
From then on, the legendary Hitman struggled to find peace, alternating between apparent rebirth and devastating relapses into depression. In recent months, he had been training to get back in shape and was preparing for a shocking return to the ring in December. It may have been a desperate attempt to ease his mind by giving himself a hopeful goal.
Hatton was adored not only for what he did inside the ring but also because he was a genuine and warm person outside of it. He never refused a photo or autograph to fans, no matter how many approached him.
It’s no coincidence that his supporters were willing to follow him across the world. In Las Vegas, during the epic clash with Mayweather, the English national anthem echoed throughout the arena during the fight. Even his final official bout against Vyacheslav Senchenko, despite Hatton being clearly at the end of his career, drew a massive crowd. The shouts urging him to get back up after falling to the canvas one last time, though in vain, would have sent chills down anyone’s spine.
Today Ricky is gone, and it is a true tragedy that a man who gave so much emotion and drew such spontaneous affection has left us so soon. Boxe Punch extends its condolences to his family and to all who loved him.
THERE IS ONLY ONE RICKY HATTON!