Ricky Hatton shared a haunting final social media post just days before he was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester.
The boxing world was left in shock on Sunday morning when news broke that British boxing legend Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton had died aged 46.
The Stockport-born fighter, who held multiple world championships during his illustrious career between 1997 and 2012, had been preparing for what would have been a remarkable comeback.
At 46, Hatton was scheduled to face the UAE’s Eisa Al Dah in an eight-round fight.
Hatton’s professional record spoke volumes about his prowess in the ring. He won 45 of his 48 professional bouts during a stellar 15-year career, earning him recognition as one of Britain’s greatest boxers.
His career highlights included victories over Russia’s Kostya Tszyu and Mexico’s Jose Luis Castillo, though he also faced heartbreak in defeats to boxing legends Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
The fighter, who was awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2007, was known for his aggressive style and unwavering courage in the ring.
After retiring from professional boxing, he moved into coaching and promotion, helping to nurture the next generation of fighters.
The boxing community and beyond have paid heartfelt tributes to the fallen champion.
Former world champion Amir Khan wrote: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.”
Chris Eubank Jr said: “Rest in peace Mr. Ricky Hatton. We salute you,” while Tyson Fury added: “RIP to the legend Ricky Hatton, may he RIP. Can’t believe this, so young.”
Hatton had been remarkably open about his battles with mental health and addiction throughout his life. Following his retirement, he struggled with depression and substance abuse.
Boxing pundit Steve Bunce, a close friend of Hatton, described the boxer’s death as ‘unbelievably shocking’ and emphasized that ‘he was in a really good place,’ per MailOnline.
Bunce explained that Hatton had: “Talked about his mental health problems, he’s talked about his addictions; he’s addressed them, faced them and attacked them and solved them.”
The gym had become Hatton’s salvation in recent years. He was preparing for his exhibition fight and getting both his body and mind back into fighting shape.
As Bunce noted: “Like it is for so many fighters, the gym’s been his salvation. He was getting his body and his head in a better place.”
Hatton’s later years were marked by healing and reconciliation, particularly with his family.
He had endured a decade-long rift with his parents, Carol and Ray, following a dispute over money that had resulted in an ugly confrontation. However, in 2019, Hatton made the difficult decision to rebuild these crucial relationships.
“Ultimately, when I fell out with my parents, I hit rock bottom. I didn’t care whether I lived or died to be honest with you,” he had told the Manchester Evening News.
The turning point came when he realized the fragility of life after attending funerals of friends’ parents who had died young: “I just made the effort to think, ‘Listen, you know, let bygones be bygones, leave things in the past. That’s it.’”
Hatton leaves behind three children: his son Campbell, 24, who had recently retired from boxing to become a solar panel installer, and daughters Millie, 13, and Fearne, 12.
He was also a devoted grandfather to seven-year-old Lyla, Campbell’s daughter, who had celebrated her birthday just weeks before his death.
In the days leading up to his death, there were subtle signs that something might have been amiss.
Friends became concerned when Hatton failed to appear at an event featuring one of his boxers on Friday night.
He also didn’t show up at his gym on Friday, which was unusual for someone who had made training such a central part of his recovery and preparation for his comeback fight.
In what has become a poignant farewell, Hatton’s final Instagram post showed him in good spirits, working out on a treadmill just two days before his death.
The video, posted on Friday evening, captured him completing a 5k run while listening to Ed Sheeran’s ‘Sapphire.’
Appearing healthy and motivated, Hatton turned the camera toward his sweat-covered face and said with satisfaction: “Another 5k, good sweat on.” He then raised his fist in a defiant gesture, seemingly energized by his training session.
The caption that accompanied the video would prove to be his final public message: “Evening run in the bag. Don’t you worry about that, our kid. #getupthereboy #hitman #bluemoon.”
Since news of his death broke, fans have flooded the post with tributes. Comments including: “RIP Ricky, so sad, gone far too soon,” “Rest easy champ,” and: “You put Manchester on the map, mate. We will all miss you” have poured in from devastated supporters around the world.
View this post on Instagram
