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The World Boxing Association confirmed Hatton’s death in a statement on Sunday. BBC was first to report his passing.
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“A true champion, an indomitable spirit and a legend of the sport. Your legacy will live on in every fight and in the hearts of boxing fans around the world,” the WBA wrote on Instagram.
A British fan favorite known as “The Hitman” won titles at lightweight and welterweight over the course of a professional career that ran from 1997 to 2012. Hatton won his first 43 professional bouts before falling to Floyd Mayweather via 10th round stoppage on Dec. 8, 2007. He retired with a 45-3 career mark, with notable victories over the likes of Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo. Hatton was reportedly planning a comeback at an event in Dubai later this year.
“I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton,” former manager Frank Warren wrote on Instagram. “A superbly talented fighter who inspired a generation of young boxers and fans in a way very few had done before due to both his personality and the entertainment he provided in the ring.
“From making his debut Widnes in 1997 to then go on to win one of the most historic fights in British boxing history against Kostya Tszyu in Manchester, Ricky will rightly go down as one of the modern greats of this sport. My deepest condolences go out to his family at this awful time.”
According to a statement from the Grand Manchester Police, Hatton was found dead in his home. “There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances,” the statement read.
Hatton to Be Honored at Manchester City Game
Hatton was a loyal supporter of the Manchester City soccer club, often wearing sky-blue fight shorts and using a song related to the team for his walkouts. Manchester City will hold a “minute’s appreciation” in tribute to Hatton at Sunday’s match against Manchester United.
“Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters,” read a statement from the team. “Everyone at the club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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