Ricky Hatton Dies: Former Boxing Champ Passes Away
- British boxer ricky Hatton, a former two-division world champion, has died at the age of 46, the World Boxing Association said on Sunday.
- Nicknamed 'the Hitman', Hatton won the WBA, IBO and IBF light-welterweight titles and the WBA welterweight world championship during his 15-year professional career before retiring in 2012.
- Greater Manchester police said that a body had been found on Sunday morning at an address in Hyde in the northern English city.
“`html
Ricky Hatton, Former Boxing Champion, Dies at 46
Table of Contents
British boxer ricky Hatton, a former two-division world champion, has died at the age of 46, the World Boxing Association said on Sunday.
Nicknamed ‘the Hitman’, Hatton won the WBA, IBO and IBF light-welterweight titles and the WBA welterweight world championship during his 15-year professional career before retiring in 2012.
He had been due to make a comeback for an event in Dubai this year.
“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 posted on Instagram.
Greater Manchester police said that a body had been found on Sunday morning at an address in Hyde in the northern English city.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious,” a police spokesperson said.
Hatton had 45 wins in 48 bouts over his career but in the years after he retired he said he had tried to kill himself several times and had been open about his struggle with depression, drink and drugs.
“I was coming off the rails with my drinking and that led to drugs. It was like a runaway train.”
Boxing Career Highlights
Ricky Hatton’s career was marked by both impressive victories and heartbreaking defeats.He rose to prominence in the early 2000s, captivating fans with his aggressive style and unwavering determination. Here’s a look at some of his key achievements:
| Title | Won | Lost | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| WBA Light-welterweight | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| IBO Light-Welterweight | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| IBF Light-Welterweight | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| WBA Welterweight | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Fights | 48 | 3 | 0 |
Battles with mental Health
Beyond the ring, Hatton bravely battled personal demons. He publicly discussed his struggles with depression, alcohol, and drug abuse, becoming an advocate for mental health awareness. His openness helped to destigmatize these issues and encouraged others to seek help. He spoke candidly about suicidal thoughts and the challenges of adjusting to life after boxing.