Eight Ricky Hatton facts only his most hardcore fans know as world pays tribute to boxing icon

Ricky Hatton was a true legend of British boxing who enjoyed a storied career as a multiple-time world champion, but The Hitman was also a fascinating man outside of the ring

Ricky Hatton announced himself to the world as an elite boxer, but there was a lore more to the man outside the ring(Image: James Williamson - AMA, Getty Images)

The sports world was left in shock on Sunday following the tragic news of Ricky Hatton's death. The boxing legend, 46, was found unresponsive at his home, causing ripples of disbelief not only in the combat sports world but far beyond given the multifaceted life of the Manchester icon.

Known affectionately as 'The Hitman', Hatton was a cherished figure in his local community and rose to national fame after securing multiple world championships. The 2005 Fighter of the Year suffered only three losses in his career and was scheduled for a final comeback against Eisa Al Dah in December.

However, Hatton was more than just a boxer. From unexpected television appearances to a fascination with the king of rock and roll, the MEN delves into the lesser-known aspects of Hatton's personality that earned him the title of 'The People's Champion'.

Football before boxing

A well-known fact about Hatton was his deep-rooted passion for Manchester City. Born in Stockport, the superstar was once part of the club's academy and harboured dreams of donning the famous sky blue himself one day.

Although he eventually traded his football aspirations for a career in boxing, Hatton frequently paid homage to City during his ring walks and often entered to the sound of the City anthem, Blue Moon. In return, the club honoured Hatton when supporters raised a banner during Sunday's 3-0 derby victory over Manchester United.

Hatton trained with Manchester City as a youth before taking up boxing full time(Image: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

First gym was in a pub cellar

Hatton's fondness for a drink outside of training camp is well known, but fewer people are aware of how his relationship with alcohol began. In fact, it was almost inevitable he would develop a taste as an adult given he grew up in a pub run by his parents, Carol and Ray.

The boozer in question was The New Inn on the Hattersley estate, where his father built his first boxing gym in the cellar. When he wasn't earning pocket money as a pot boy, Hatton spent his time honing his boxing skills from an early age in the very type of establishment he would frequent later in life.

Elvis Presley obsession

The Hitman loved Elvis Presley and considered having an impersonator present at his wedding to ex-fiancee Jennifer Dooley(Image: Getty Images)

From one Las Vegas legend to another, Hatton's affection for Elvis Presley was nearly as profound as his sporting connections. It was even rumoured the late boxer planned to have an Elvis impersonator perform at his wedding to former fiancée Jennifer Dooley.

Hatton demonstrated his admiration for Presley when he was filmed performing 'Suspicious Minds' on stage at a karaoke event in 2013. He also paid homage to the rock and roll icon by naming the house he once shared with Dooley the 'Heartbreak Hotel', a name that proved apt after they permanently split in 2016.

Weight swings

Hatton became known for his major swings in weight(Image: Anthony Devlin/Getty Images)

Even those who aren't well-versed in Hatton's boxing career might be aware of his dramatic weight fluctuations between fights. The 5'7" powerhouse was one of the world's quickest fighters in his prime, but he often looked significantly different when he wasn't preparing for a matchup.

Famed for his love of Guinness, curry and chips, and a full English breakfast or two, the former welterweight and light-welterweight world champion swelled to nearly 15 stone at his heaviest. Yet what was even more astonishing than his ability to gain weight was his remarkable talent for losing it to meet weigh-in requirements.

Bespoke shorts

Hatton never missed an opportunity to show his Manchester pride, and his shorts were another testament to his deep connection with the city - and City. Ricky often chose blue gear to represent the football club dear to his heart.

Coronation Street romance

It was back in 2024 when Hatton and former Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney made their relationship public. The Hitman had experienced a turbulent love life over the years, but his relationship with Sweeney was particularly sweet as it blossomed some 25 years after they first crossed paths.

Claire Sweeney and Hatton met 25 years before reuniting on Dancing on Ice(Image: Ricky Hatton Instagram)

Moving in close social circles and encountering one another at various gatherings, the duo maintained their distance before reuniting as contestants on Dancing On Ice. The eight-month relationship ultimately didn't endure, though Hatton spoke affectionately about his former flame.

"I've known Claire for a while," he told Prime Casino last year. "I've met her at a few functions and at different events over the years. Every time we've spoken we've hit it off and got on with each other.

"I knew how we had got on so well every time we met each other. I probably thought I had half a chance. It's amazing [to find] someone you've probably known for 25 years. I've been in relationships and she's been in relationships. I've had my kids and she's had her kids. And then 25 years later we found each other. It's quite a nice story."

Early retirement

The boxing world is infamous for drawing fighters in and out of their passion, and Hatton proved no exception. After his 2009 loss to Manny Pacquiao at 30, the English champion went into a boxing break and unofficial retirement that would ultimately last three years.

Hatton's 2009 defeat to Manny Pacquiao led to him spiralling into depression(Image: PA Wire)

During this period, Hatton descended into depression and admitted he became suicidal. He previously revealed to The Mirror he had intentions to "drink and drug himself to death" after feeling he had disappointed the thousands of supporters who travelled hoping he would defeat 'Pac-Man'.

"Boxing started off as a habit and it ended up giving me some money and making me a little bit of a better person," he told Gulfnews.com in 2010. "But I don't think I will have a fight again. But you can never say never as I have not announced officially that I won't be boxing. At the moment I don't have any fire in the belly for a fight or to get myself to a gym."

Hatton's retirement came to an abrupt end in September 2012 when he returned to the ring to face Vyacheslav Senchenko, only to be knocked out in the ninth round, his third defeat in five fights. After 13 years, he was set to make another comeback in 2025, but this was tragically cut short by his sudden death.

Family business

Ricky wasn't the only Hatton to step into the ring, either in his generation or the next. His younger brother and former European champion, Matthew, competed at a high level from 2010 to 2013 and even fought for the WBC light middleweight title, where he was defeated by rising star Canelo Alvarez via unanimous decision.

Moreover, Ricky played a significant role in shaping the career of his 24-year-old son, Campbell, before he announced his early retirement this year due to a personal tragedy. The young boxer had built an impressive 14-0 record before suffering back-to-back losses against James Flint.

Reacting to the tragic news of his brother's death, Matthew penned a poignant tribute to his elder sibling on Sunday. The 44-year-old shared a collection of family photos featuring the two of them together, accompanied by the heartfelt words: "I love you Richard. See you on the other side X."