Stars from the sports and entertainment realms are honoring the late boxing legend Ricky Hatton, who passed away at the age of 46. Hatton was discovered at his residence in Greater Manchester, with authorities confirming that there is no suspicion surrounding his death. The former world champion had intended to make a boxing comeback in December despite previous struggles with mental health issues and substance abuse.
Adam Booth, a prominent boxing trainer, expressed his sorrow on Twitter, saying, “Truly heartbreaking. Ricky, may your soul rest in peace, my friend. I hope you can now feel the love and admiration that has always been there for you.”
Tributes poured in from various personalities, with Piers Morgan paying his respects by acknowledging Hatton’s legacy and Michael Owen describing him as a remarkable individual and fighter. Vincent Kompany shared a heartfelt message alongside a photo with Hatton and Liam Gallagher, emphasizing their loss and expressing condolences to his family and friends.
Fellow boxer Amir Khan lamented the loss of Hatton, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health struggles and urging individuals to seek support when needed. Hatton’s boxing achievements, including winning titles in two weight classes, solidified his reputation as one of the era’s most beloved fighters.
Known for his approachable demeanor, Hatton’s openness about his post-retirement mental health challenges resonated with fans worldwide. Overcoming personal obstacles, he transitioned into a successful coaching career, guiding Zhanat Zhakiyanov to a world bantamweight title in 2017.
The boxing community, including Antony Fowler and Phil Taylor, expressed shock and grief over Hatton’s passing. Messages of remembrance and respect flooded social media, with figures like Chris Eubank Jr and Turki Al-Sheikh honoring his legacy and contributions to British boxing.
Fans also joined in commemorating Hatton’s impact on the sport, with many acknowledging his role in popularizing boxing among younger audiences. The loss of Hatton, known for his relentless fighting style and genuine personality, is deeply felt across the sports world.
In a statement, Boxing News mourned Hatton’s passing, lauding his in-ring tenacity and off-ring charisma, while expressing heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. Hatton’s legacy as a formidable fighter and down-to-earth personality will be dearly missed by all who knew and admired him.