What was meant to be a day of football rivalry in Manchester has been overshadowed by heartbreaking news. Hours before the derby, Manchester City and United fans were united in grief after the sudden death of boxing legend and lifelong City supporter, Ricky Hatton.
The 46-year-old was found at his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday morning, sending shockwaves through both the sporting and local community.
Manchester City’s Tribute to Their Hero
At the Etihad, emotions are running high. City confirmed that a minute’s applause will be held before kick-off, while both teams will wear black armbands in his memory.
The club described Hatton not just as a boxing great, but as one of their most passionate supporters.
“Manchester City are devastated,” their statement read, remembering him as a world champion who proudly carried the club’s colours into the boxing ring.
A Champion With a Loyal Following
Hatton’s impact on boxing was immense. Nicknamed “The Hitman,” he became one of Britain’s most beloved fighters, winning 45 of his 48 professional bouts in a career that spanned 15 years.
Famous for his relentless attacking style, he also had a special ability to connect with fans. Tens of thousands followed him across the world, none more memorably than in 2007 when more than 30,000 travelled to Las Vegas to watch him face Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Wearing City Blue in the Ring
For Hatton, boxing and Manchester City were inseparable. His walkouts were to the song Blue Moon, and he often wore sky blue shorts to represent his team.
In 2008, he even fulfilled a personal dream—fighting Juan Lazcano in front of 55,000 fans at City’s own Etihad Stadium.
For supporters, he wasn’t just a world champion; he was one of their own.
The Final Hours
According to reports, friends first became worried when Hatton failed to attend a fight in Bolton on Saturday night, where one of his boxers, Jack Murphy, was competing.
Police confirmed that they were called to a property in Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am on Sunday, where Hatton’s body was found. Officers have said his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Family and Personal Struggles
Away from the spotlight, Hatton was a devoted father to his son Campbell—who himself retired from boxing this summer at just 24 to start a new career—as well as daughters Millie and Fearne, and his granddaughter Lyla.
He had spoken openly about battles with depression, addiction, and the pressures of life after boxing, hoping that his honesty would help others facing similar struggles.
Career Highlights
From his early days in Stockport, Hatton’s rise was remarkable.
He shocked the world in 2005 by defeating Kostya Tszyu in Manchester to become IBF light-welterweight champion, a night that transformed him from underdog to superstar.
He went on to win titles across multiple weight classes and was even awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2007.
Though defeats against Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao were tough setbacks, they cemented his status as a fighter who always dared to face the very best.
Planned Return to the Ring
Despite officially retiring in 2012, Hatton had remained close to the sport as a trainer and promoter.
In recent weeks, he had stunned fans by announcing a comeback fight scheduled for December in Dubai—a return that will now never happen.
Tributes Pour In
The news has left the sporting world reeling. Former City defender Micah Richards described him as “an icon” and “a man of the people,” while Roy Keane remembered him as “a warrior” who gave everything in the ring.
Ex-footballer Stan Collymore praised Hatton for speaking openly about mental health, saying his honesty would have helped countless others.
A Legacy That Lives On
Ricky Hatton’s story is one of triumph, struggle, and connection with fans who saw themselves in him.
He may have left too soon, but his legacy—as a fighter, a father, and a true Manchester son—will live on in both boxing history and the hearts of those who loved him.
For those affected by this news, support is available through Samaritans at 116 123 or via thecalmzone.net.