“The Hitman” was one of the greatest boxers of the 2000s and was world champion in two weight classes.
British boxing idol Ricky Hatton has died at the age of just 46, according to reports by British media cited by the AFP news agency. Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
“The Hitman” Hatton was world champion in the light welterweight and welterweight divisions. At the height of his career in the 2000s, he was one of the most popular athletes in the United Kingdom. The renowned Ring Magazine and the US broadcaster ESPN named Hatton Boxer of the Year in 2005.
Hatton won his first 40 professional fights. It was not until 2007 that he lost for the first time in a highly anticipated duel with US icon Floyd Mayweather, then by technical knockout. In 2009, he suffered his second defeat against Manny Pacquiao, and after another defeat against Vyacheslav Sentshenko, Hatton retired from the ring. After his career, he spoke publicly about mental health issues.