Boxer Ricky Hatton found dead: what happened to the champion.

According to The Sun: Friends of Ricky Hatton raised the alarm after the boxing champion missed training sessions and fights that took place ahead of his death.

The 46-year-old boxer was found dead in his home after friends, unable to contact him, called the police. This happened just weeks before his planned return to the ring.

Ricky 'Hitman' Hatton, at the weigh-in in 2003, was found dead on Sunday.

Hatton weeks before his return to the ring.

Hatton during sparring earlier this month.

Friends became concerned when 'Hitman' missed a gym session on Friday and did not appear at a boxing event in Bolton on Saturday, where he was supposed to support one of his young boxers.

They contacted the police out of 'concern for welfare'.

The police discovered Ricky's body in his £1.75 million mansion in Hyde, Greater Manchester, around 7 a.m. Officers reported that the death is not considered suspicious.

In the boxing world, tributes began to pour in for Ricky — one of the brightest stars in the sport.

Former champion Amir Khan from Bolton, who regards Ricky as a great inspiration, said:

“Today we lost not only one of the best boxers in Britain but a friend, mentor, warrior — Ricky Hatton.”

This tragedy occurred just days after Ricky sent a heartfelt message to a boy who was a victim of bullying, encouraging him not to give up.

In a video address, he told young Louis:

“I believe you are going through tough times at school because of a few bullies. Even I dealt with bullies when I was in school. But you made the right choice by taking up boxing, not to get back at them, but to become confident in yourself.”

“And as soon as those bullies see you have a bit of confidence, they'll leave you alone.”

Short biography

Ricky's death also came just months after announcing his return to the ring, with a fight against Aysa Al Dakh planned for December 2 — 13 years after an unsuccessful comeback against Vyacheslav Senchenko.

Ricky won titles in lightweight and welterweight and fought some of the most significant boxers in history during his 15-year career.

At his best, he defeated legends like Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, but suffered knockout defeats from superstars Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009.

He is regarded as one of the best British boxers of his generation.

Ricky received the MBE award in 2007, and after retiring from boxing, he worked as a promoter and coach.

This colorful personality also appeared on the show 'Dancing on Ice' last year.

However, Ricky always struggled with his demons, openly discussing issues with mental health, alcohol, and drug abuse.

Hatton missed gym sessions and a boxing event, which caused concern among his friends.

Hatton and Robin Johnston during 'Dancing on Ice' last year.

Hatton celebrates with Noel and Liam Gallagher after the fight against Paul Malignaggi in 2008.

In 2010, the father of three entered rehab to cope with life after sports, especially after heavy defeats to Mayweather and Pacquiao. He also spent time at the Priory clinic for depression and drinking binges, during which he consumed cocaine.

The icon from Stockport also revealed that he attempted to take his own life and became an ambassador for men's mental health.

Ricky was constantly critical of boxing for the lack of support for former boxers.

Comparing the situation to other sports, he said:

“If your time is up, then just move on to the next champion that comes along.”

Two years ago, his poignant documentary 'Hatton' was released, tracking his brilliant career, personal life struggles, and ongoing battle with mental health.

Ricky had a difficult relationship with his parents, Carol and Ray Hatton, which escalated into financial disputes that led to a parking lot conflict, resulting in Ray being arrested.

This distance lasted for nine years, until 2019, when the family reconciled after Ricky opened up about his struggles with depression and addiction.

However, the documentary, in which his father Ray was portrayed in a negative light, led to the conflict being reignited and new problems within the family.

Amir Khan paid tribute to his mentor and friend Hatton.

Hatton during the fight with Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas in 2007.

Hatton at Bolton University stadium in 2023.

Ricky's mother, Carol, admitted that the conflict left them in despair.

In 2016, Ricky divorced Jennifer Dooly, the mother of his daughters Millie and Fern, after 11 years together.

His 24-year-old son Campbell, from a previous relationship, was also a professional boxer but retired in July to become a solar panel installer.

Despite family difficulties, Ricky won a court case against his former trainer Billy Graham and became a successful coach himself, preparing Janat Zhakiyanov for the world bantamweight champion title in 2017.

Last year, Ricky along with 'Coronation Street' actress Claire Sweeney participated in 'Dancing on Ice' and became close. The couple, who had known each other for many years, were spotted on dates and enjoyed holidays abroad.

Ricky said:

“It's amazing [to find] someone you've known for 25 years. I had my kids, and she had hers. And 25 years later, we've found each other. It’s a lovely story.”

However, their relationship did not last long, and Claire later remarked:

“We're still friends; we were friends, we dated, and now we're friends again. All good.”

Yesterday, friends and fans left flowers and tributes in despair outside his home.

One of the cards reads:

“I was an alcoholic for five years, and Ricky gave me some advice on how to stop, and I have not drunk for five years now. He was a good guy, just a regular guy from our area.”

Another shares:

“Ricky, so many good memories with you! Thank you for always being in touch.”

The letter concludes:

“We can’t gather our thoughts right now, so we don’t know what to write. Despair — that’s the only thing that comes to mind.”

And another note confirms:

“Absolutely stunned. You will be missed.”

Fan Steven Biling, 46, left a Manchester City scarf with the inscription 'RIP Ricky'.

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