Ricky Hatton: Life, Career, and Legacy of the Boxing Legend
Ricky Hatton, the celebrated British boxer, died by suicide on September 14, 2025, at his home in Hyde near Manchester. He was 46 years old.
Hatton's boxing career was marked by notable highs, including his 2005 victory over Kostya Tszyu at the MEN Arena to claim the IBF light welterweight title, considered a peak moment. Earlier, in June 2000, he fought Gilbert Quiros in Detroit, a fight deemed by trainer Billy Graham as the most important of Hatton's life despite Hatton suffering a severe cut and double vision.
Throughout his career, Billy Graham trained Hatton for all but three of his 48 fights. However, their relationship later soured, culminating in a money-dispute legal case in 2010 which was settled out of court, and Hatton experienced estrangement from his family.
Hatton also faced significant defeats, including knockout losses to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009. He attempted a comeback, which ended with a stoppage defeat to Vyacheslav Senchenko in 2012. Following his retirement, Hatton struggled with depression and alcohol addiction.
In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Hatton was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota in 2024, alongside Jane Couch, 15 months prior to his death.
Hatton's legacy continues through his family; his brother Matthew is a former boxer, and his children are also involved in the sport. Ricky's son Jack, aged 17, boasts 43 wins in 48 fights, while daughter Lola, aged 13, has 8 wins in 10 bouts. Both describe their father as loving, funny, and down-to-earth.
