British Boxing Legend Ricky Hatton Passes Away at 46

Ricky Hatton, a sports icon who transcended the ring to become part of the collective memory, has passed away at the age of 46. The British boxer, known as “The Hitman”, not only achieved remarkable heights in his career but also charmed audiences with his down-to-earth personality and surprising antics. His life was filled with both triumphs and tribulations, leaving a lasting impact on the boxing world, particularly in Britain, and even forming connections to the Canary Islands.

This Sunday, news of his death sent shockwaves through the sporting community. His body was found at his home in Manchester, with police dismissing any “suspicious circumstances” surrounding his passing. This tragic loss resonates deeply within British boxing, arriving just months after he announced his return to the ring.

An Unmatched Champion

Between 1997 and 2012, Ricky Hatton carved out an extraordinary boxing career. He fought 48 professional matches, achieving 45 victories—32 of which were by knockout—while enduring only three defeats. Hatton captured three world titles in the super lightweight category and one in welterweight, establishing himself as one of the greats in British boxing. His unbeaten streak of 43 fights was broken by Floyd Mayweather in the welterweight division and, shortly after, by Manny Pacquiao in super lightweight. These two defeats not only marked significant moments in his career but also propelled him into a challenging personal phase marked by depression and cocaine addiction, from which he sought help by entering rehabilitation.

A Frustrated Comeback

Earlier this year, Hatton surprised fans with the announcement of his return to the ring after a thirteen-year hiatus. He was scheduled to fight Eisa Al Dah on December 2 in Dubai. This news generated excitement among his supporters, who envisioned a revival of the glorious moments from his brilliant career. His untimely death brings an abrupt end to those hopes and leaves a void among those who regarded him as a beacon in British sport, admired for his aggressive style in the ring and his charisma outside of it.

A Night in Tenerife

Beyond boxing, Ricky Hatton was known for unexpected moments. One of the most memorable occurred in Costa Adeje, on the southern coast of Tenerife, during a holiday. While at a tourist bar, a guitarist invited someone from the audience to sing. To everyone’s surprise, the impromptu performer was none other than the former world champion himself. The song he chose was “Wonderwall” by Oasis, a band with whom Hatton shared a personal friendship. However, his performance was far from pitch-perfect: he missed notes and flubbed lyrics, eliciting laughter from the audience, who quickly shared the moment online.

Friendship with Oasis

The relationship between Ricky Hatton and the Gallagher brothers is well-documented. The musicians attended many of his fights and included him in their celebrations and anecdotes. Thus, the Tenerife scene was particularly symbolic: the ring champion paying homage, in his own way, to one of the most influential bands in British pop culture. British tourist Carly Leahy recorded the moment and later recounted Hatton’s warm interactions with attendees, especially the children who came over to greet him.