Great Britain and the boxing world are mourning Ricky Hatton, the world champion known as the “Hitman,” who became one of that country’s “most popular figures.”

Throughout the years, he shared his struggles with mental health and familial relationships with the public, and fans became invested in his recovery. When he was found dead at the age of 46, Hatton was on the brink of a comeback, training for a fight in Dubai years after he retired from the ring.

His cause of death is not yet known, so how he died remains a mystery, although Greater Manchester Police said it was not suspicious. However, Hatton’s last Instagram posts showed him in good spirits and looking physically fit.

“There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this – so young,” wrote former world champion Tyson Fury on Instagram.

Ricky Hatton Seemed Positive & Healthy in His Final Instagram Videos

On Instagram, Hatton showcased both his family and his career. “3 x Light Welterweight & Welterweight World champ. Proud Dad of Millie, Fearne & Campbell. Grandfather to Lyla,” the page proclaims. He had more than 500,000 followers. His son Campbell is a retired boxer.

On September 12, he posted a video showing his feet walking on a treadmill. “Evening run in the bag. Don’t your worry about that our kid,🏃🏼‍➡️ #getupthereboy#hitman#bluemoon” he wrote. The video then swung to show his face, covered in sweat.

“Rest easy champ ❤️,” a fan wrote in the comment thread of the video, which filled with tributes to Hatton. He said in the video that he ran a “5K” and “had a sweat on.”

Hatton also shared a video of him working out on September 11. In this video, he was boxing. “Thursday session in the bag.#hitman#bluemoon#getupthereboy 🥊” he wrote, setting the scene to Laura Branigan’s iconic song, Self Control.

“There’s only one Ricky Hatton, one Ricky Hatton,” a fan wrote in that comment thread. “Walking along, singing a song, Walking in a Hatton Wonderland. RIP Champ.”

“RIP Ricky absolute legend of the game ❤️” wrote another fan.

“Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45 a.m. today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man,” Greater Manchester Police wrote in a September 14, 2025, statement.