British boxer Ricky Hatton passes away at 46, following his return to the sport announcement.
Ricky Hatton, a beloved figure in the world of boxing and a former world champion from Britain, has passed away at the age of 46. The news was confirmed by police in Manchester on Sunday. Known as 'The Hitman,' Hatton was a force to be reckoned with in the ring. He had a professional record of 43-0 before suffering high-profile defeats to Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. His aggressive style and multiple world titles at light-welterweight and one at welterweight made him a modern great, inspiring a generation of boxers and fans. Frank Warren, Hatton's former promoter, hailed him as a 'modern great' who changed British boxing forever. Tyson Fury, a former heavyweight champion, also expressed his condolences, referring to Hatton as a 'legend' and stating that there will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Amir Khan, a fellow boxer, described Hatton as a 'mentor, warrior,' and one of Britain's greatest boxers. In July, Hatton announced plans for a professional boxing comeback in Dubai this December. However, his death occurred just two months later. Hatton retired from professional boxing in 2009 but returned briefly in 2012. In recent years, he became a respected trainer and guided Zhanat Zhakiyanov to a world bantamweight crown in 2017. Organizers of the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool pledged a tribute for Hatton. Manchester City, Hatton's beloved football club, expressed their devastation and promised a minute of appreciation before a derby match with Manchester United. Hatton's family, legendary boxing trainer Teddy Atlas, boxing promoter Lou Deella, Michael Buffer, and thousands of fans, including Ukrainians who left flowers at his home, paid tribute to him as a warrior, a legend, and a man who changed British boxing forever. No indications of foul play were found after Hatton was found at his home early in the morning. The cause of death is not yet known. Hatton's impact on the sport of boxing will be felt for years to come. His fighting spirit and dedication to the sport will continue to inspire future generations of boxers and fans. Rest in peace, Ricky Hatton.
Edited by: Darko Janjevic
