Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 45. The former light-welterweight and welterweight division champion was found deceased in his Manchester home. Authorities confirmed his passing was not suspicious. Boxers took to social media to offer condolences.

Amir Khan expressed his sorrow, stating, “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton. As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong — we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind. Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other.” He added, “Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible. To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding.”

Manny Pacquiao shared his condolences, saying, “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was not only a great fighter inside the ring but also a brave and kind man in life. We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history and I will always honor the respect and sportsmanship he showed. Ricky fought bravely, not just in the ring, but in his journey through life. He truly had a good fight, and we are all blessed to have been part of his wonderful journey.” He concluded with prayers for the Hatton family.

Hatton’s career spanned 15 years, with 45 wins out of 48 professional bouts. He last fought in 2012. He faced notable opponents like Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny Pacquiao. His dedication and humor earned him a loyal fanbase. A lifelong Manchester City supporter, the club held a minute of appreciation for Hatton during a derby against Manchester United.

Hatton was planning a comeback bout in Dubai in December. He won multiple world titles and was recognized as Fighter of the Year in 2005. His final professional fight was in Manchester against Vyacheslav Senchenko in November 2012, where he lost via knockout.

Frank Warren, Hatton’s former manager, praised him as a “superbly talented fighter who inspired a generation of young boxers and fans in a way very few had done before.” He highlighted Hatton’s journey from his debut in Widnes in 1997 to his historic fight against Kostya Tszyu in Manchester, calling him one of the modern greats of boxing.