British · Hyde, England · Born 6 October 1978 · Died 2025-09-14Ricky Hatton was a British boxer who became a unified light-welterweight and welterweight world champion known for his massive fanbase.
Richard John Hatton was born in Campbell, Stockport in 1978 and raised in Hyde, Greater Manchester. He turned professional in 1997, trained by Billy Graham. His attacking, pressure-based style — combined with devastating body shots — made him massively popular with British fans who travelled in enormous numbers to his Las Vegas fights. He held IBF light welterweight and welterweight world titles. His loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr in Las Vegas in 2007 — a 10th-round stoppage in what was the most watched British TV sports event in a decade — was a watershed moment. His second major defeat, to Manny Pacquiao in 2009, ended his career and triggered a well-documented battle with depression and cocaine addiction, which he has subsequently spoken about openly to help others. His comeback bouts in 2012 were unsuccessful. He is remembered as one of Britain's most beloved boxers and the People's Champion of his era.
British two-weight world champion, 'The Hitman'
His fanbase — known as the Hatton Army — filled entire sections of Las Vegas casinos and arenas, making him the first British boxer to routinely sell out American venues.
Did You Know?How They Played
Aggressive pressure fighter with devastating body shots
Lasting Impact
One of Britain's most popular boxers who brought huge crowds
Career Honours
- International Boxing Hall of Fame 2024
- MBE 2007
British Athletes