Ricky Hatton expressed his enthusiasm for his upcoming return to boxing in an interview that now carries a somber tone, following the passing of the British sports legend. The former boxer, aged 46, was discovered at his residence in Hyde, Greater Manchester, where authorities have established a police cordon.
Greater Manchester Police officially confirmed the discovery of a body at Hatton’s location, emphasizing that the incident is not considered suspicious. A spokesperson from GMP stated, “We can confirm that we found a body at an address on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross at 6.45 am today, Sunday, September 14. The circumstances surrounding the death are not suspicious.”
Hatton had been gearing up for a comeback match set for December, slated to face Eisa Al Dah, Dubai’s inaugural professional boxer. This fight would have marked his first professional appearance in over a decade, following his retirement post a defeat by Vyachslav Senchenko in Manchester back in 2012.
His showdown with the Ukrainian boxer occurred three and a half years after his initial retirement subsequent to a knockout loss against Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas. Hatton, who would have celebrated his 47th birthday in October, briefly returned to the boxing scene in 2022 for an eight-round exhibition bout against fellow boxing icon Marco Antonio Barrera.
A former champion in the welterweight and light-welterweight categories, Hatton discussed his anticipated match earlier this summer, expressing his eagerness to reenter the professional boxing realm. Providing confirmation through a live stream, Hatton disclosed that an eye injury prevented his physical presence at the event, remarking, “I wish I was there, but I had a minor eye injury. The fight will go on, and I am eagerly looking forward to it.”
He openly shared his battles with depression and addiction, highlighting the positive impact he has had on individuals facing similar challenges. In an exclusive interview with SunSport, Hatton reflected, “It inspired a lot of people for me to get back in shape at my age, especially considering my personal struggles with mental health. It was heartening to have many people approach me and say, ‘I’ve always had weight issues, and seeing you shed it at your age is motivational.'”
Throughout his 15-year boxing career, Hatton amassed an impressive record of 45 wins and 3 losses. In 2005, he achieved the pinnacle of his career by defeating Kostya Tszyu to secure the IBF and The Ring light-welterweight titles. Despite defending these titles in four subsequent victories, he faced a significant challenge against Floyd Mayweather, resulting in a TKO defeat in his quest to claim the WBC and The Ring welterweight championship.