Members of the public have been turning up in tears to lay flowers and pay their respects
Tributes left at Ricky Hatton's home in Bowlacre Road, Gee Cross, Hyde following his death on September 14, 2025
(Image: Kenny Brown)
There have been heartbreaking scenes outside the home of boxer Ricky Hatton on Sunday following news of his tragic death at the age of 46.
Tributes have poured in from across the sporting world, while members of the public have been turning up to lay flowers and pay their respects outside his home in Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed earlier Hatton's body was found inside the property. A spokesperson said: "Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances."
Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 46
Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 46
One woman and her daughter were in tears as they laid flowers at the scene, while another man, Stephen Billing, 46, from Longsight, left a Manchester City scarf outside Hatton's home in tribute to the late boxer. He told the Manchester Evening News: "I'd see him at City and after that he would get people to his gym.
"He was hard as nails. I know that in the ring and out of the ring but in a good way. Just a great guy, local, down to earth you wouldn’t think he was a boxer with millions. Everyone has their ups and downs. It’s sad. He was a great geezer.
"He’s a Manchester lad proper City fan I can’t believe it’s derby day today and it’s happened."
Floral tributes left outside the home of Ricky Hatton
Another man, who told the Manchester Evening News he was a close friend of Hatton's, had driven down from Scotland. He said: “I've just cried for four or five hours, the whole drive down. I can’t believe it.”
Manchester City paid their own tribute to Hatton, describing him as "one of the club's most revered supporters. A minute's appreciation will be held for the boxer ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby, which kicks off at 4.30pm.
A statement read: "Manchester City are devastated to learn Ricky Hatton has passed away, aged 46.
"Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters, who will always be remembered for a glittering boxing career that saw him win world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight.
"Everyone at the Club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
"We can confirm there will be a minute’s appreciation ahead of today’s game against Manchester United."
Tributes left at Ricky Hatton's home in Bowlacre Road, Gee Cross, Hyde following his death on September 14, 2025
(Image: Kenny Brown)
Former Manchester City player Micah Richards, who is a Sky Sports pundit for the match, said on TV: “Obviously the news is devastating. We got it what, half an hour ago? I was taken aback, to be honest, because he was such an icon.
“British icon, boxing, sports, a true Man City fan. But most importantly, he was a man of the people. The nicest guy ever.
"I remember going down to one of his gyms. I was a bit nervous because I didn’t really know about boxing, he said just do this, he took his time.
“This was before the takeover - Man City weren’t what they are now - and for him to take the time and effort, multiple times with beers with him just talking about football and life, he was a deep person.
“Very deep. He overthought a lot of things and the news is just devastating. It’s ruined my mood for the whole day. He’d be here today celebrating.
“He’s had a box here many times. To get this news now feels surreal. For someone so young for it to happen now, it’s devastating.”
Ricky Hatton's home in Hyde
Ricky Hatton's home in Hyde(Image: Kenny Brown)
Fellow pundit Roy Keane added: “The guy was a warrior. I think that is why the fans loved watching him in the ring.
“We know how tough that sport is, but my god, he gave everything for that sport and I think that is why the fans loved following him.
“He had a number of fights in America, and thousands would travel over because they thought so highly of him, and again he left everything in that ring and absolutely shocking news.”