Ricky Hatton 1978 - 2025

Rest easy Hitman.

Everyone here at Gr8rMcr is stunned and saddened by the loss of Ricky Hatton.

A true Greater Manchester staple, hailing from Stokport, this is truly a loss and one that hits as hard as he did.

With a career spanning nearly 30 years, 45 wins from 48 professional fights, Hatton was a major name in the boxing world, selling out arenas wherever he went but also a down to earth guy, a father and an inspiration to many worldwide. Not just for his fighting spirit, but also his personal life in which he did much for charity despite his own battles with mental health.

The world has lost a warrior.

Born in October 1978 in Stockport, Greater Manchester, Hatton was raised in Hattersley, Tameside, a proper working class estate, his family owned The New Inn Pub where Ricky even trained behind the bar with a punching bag set up there. Ricky's down-to-earth, typical working class attitude made him so relatable and loved by all.

The Hitman represented Great Britain as an amateur, including at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics selection tournaments. Before turning pro at the young age of 18 in 1997.

Ricky was know for such fights as,

Hatton Vs - 

Castillo

Tzsyu

Collazo

Mayweather Jr

and Pacquiao.

Amongst many other thrillers, before a comeback fight in 2012 vs Senchenko which marked his third and final loss.

Outside of the ring, Ricky was one of us, a proper Manc lad, a die hard City supporter, using their anthem as his walk-out music, and a man well known for loving a pint.

His character inspired many future boxers, including his own son Campbell, who we also send our condolences to.

He was also known for his charity work, regularly offering up signed gloves and shorts, speaking at sports dinners and also a patron for Manchester homeless charity Barnabus. So it's no surprise Hatton received an MBE and a well deserved one!

Ricky was well known for his willingness to have a giggle at himself, mainly through the joke of his infamous nickname "Ricky Fatton". This because he often chose fry ups over protein shakes, and Guinness over istotonic drinks.

Despite all this, Ricky had his own personal battles outside of the ring, he has always been very open with his struggle with mental health and spoke openly about his drinking habits, this came about due to sever depression once he had to hang up his gloves, boxing was in his blood. Ricky was a reminder that it's good to be open and honest and get help where you can. Prompting many prominent male figures both in and around the sporting world to take a more open approach to discussing their emotions.

With the love of boxing still in him, Ricky was well known for owning or working in Gyms around Manchester, notably his own, Hatton's Gym in Hyde, where he was regularly attending, pushing and helping young people to reach their dream and carry on what he motivated them to do, Box, and do it bloody well!

Anyone who would pop out for a drink round Hyde, Gee Cross or Werneth Low has surely had the privilege of bumping into to Ricky who was always open to have a chat, a picture or a good laugh with everyone!

Ricky will go down as one of Britain’s most beloved boxers, admired for his grit, exciting style, and connection with fans.

He helped popularise British fight trips to Las Vegas, his supporters were notorious and legendary.

Despite setbacks against the all-time greats (Mayweather and Pacquiao), his wins over Kostya Tszyu, Castillo, and others cemented his reputation as one of the best to step in the ring and he always took the pride and grit of Manchester with him wherever he went.

Our thoughts are with his family and the fans of this brilliant Boxer, entertainer, father, grandfather and friend.

Rest easy Ricky.

We all love you.