Former coach Billy Graham of Ricky Hatton expressed heartfelt condolences following the untimely passing of the renowned boxer at 46 years old. Hatton was discovered deceased on Sunday morning after failing to attend a scheduled event, prompting concern from friends. Authorities later confirmed his discovery with no indication of suspicious circumstances surrounding his demise.

Notably, tributes swiftly flooded in for Hatton, a boxing icon who achieved world champion status in 2005 and participated in significant bouts in British boxing history. His victory over Kostya Tszyu catapulted him to stardom, leading to high-profile matches in Las Vegas against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, both of which he was defeated in. The defeat by Pacquiao led Hatton to retire and struggle with profound depression.

Despite personal challenges, including strained relationships with his parents and legal disputes with Graham over payment, Hatton and Graham reconciled after reaching a settlement. Graham left flowers outside Hatton’s residence with a poignant note, expressing regret for not being present in his final moments.

In a poignant statement at a 2015 gathering commemorating his triumph over Tszyu, Hatton emotionally acknowledged Graham’s presence, underscoring the deep bond between them. The boxing community, including fellow champion Amir Khan, hailed Hatton as a mentor and warrior, emphasizing his significant contributions to British boxing.

Acknowledging Hatton’s public discussions about mental health struggles, Khan highlighted the importance of addressing such issues openly and supporting one another. Fellow boxers, including Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Chris Eubank Sr., paid tribute to Hatton, lauding his legacy in the sport.

Frank Warren, Hatton’s former promoter, lamented the loss of the boxing legend, praising his talent and impact on the sport. From his debut in Widnes to his historic victory against Tszyu, Hatton’s legacy as a modern boxing great is firmly established in British boxing history.