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- British boxing great Ricky Hatton dies at 46 (nbcnews.com)
Former two-division world champion Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton has passed away at age 46, according to the World Boxing Association. Hatton, a dominant force in the light-welterweight division, held the WBA, IBO, and IBF titles, as well as the WBA welterweight championship during his illustrious 15-year career.
He retired in 2012 but had planned a comeback fight in Dubai later this year. The WBA mourned the loss, stating, “A true champion, an indomitable spirit, and a legend of the sport.
Your legacy will live on in every fight and in the hearts of boxing fans around the world.”
Greater Manchester Police confirmed the discovery of a 46-year-old man’s body at a Hyde residence Sunday morning, stating there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
Hatton’s career boasted an impressive 45 wins out of 48 bouts. However, his post-retirement years were marked by struggles with depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation, which he openly discussed in a 2016 BBC radio interview.
A defining moment in Hatton’s career came in 2005 when he defeated Kostya Tszyu, adding the IBF light-welterweight title to his existing WBU belt. His undefeated streak of 43-0 ended with a loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007, after which he was never quite the same. He suffered another knockout defeat against Manny Pacquiao in 2009.
Tributes poured in from the boxing world, including from former light-welterweight champion Amir Khan, who called Hatton “a friend, a mentor, a warrior” on social media.
Manchester City, Hatton’s beloved football club, announced a minute’s appreciation for the boxer before their Sunday match against Manchester United. A lifelong City supporter, Hatton famously wore sky blue shorts, the team’s colors, in most of his fights. The club expressed their condolences, recognizing Hatton as one of their “most loved and revered supporters.”
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- British boxing great Ricky Hatton dies at 46 (nbcnews.com)