Like the whole boxing world, Anthony Joshua is reeling from the shock passing of Ricky Hatton.
News emerged early on Sunday morning that the Manchester great had been found dead at home at around 6:45 am.
Hatton had spoken openly and for many years about the difficulties he had faced with mental health, alcohol and addiction issues. He first began suffering in the wake of his first career defeat out in Las Vegas when he was knocked out by Floyd Mayweather, having famously taken an army of around 20, 000 fans Stateside as he stepped up to all new challenges.
Just a year later, he returned for the same MGM location for a fight with Manny Pacquiao, which also ended in a knockout loss.
Hatton, who is best remembered for winning a world title at home in Manchester when he beat Kostya Tszyu in 2005, eventually retired in 2012 after a third KO loss.
He had seemed to be in a good place more recently, working in the gym with other fighters and staying in shape himself. This December, he was scheduled for an exhibition fight out in Dubai with Eisa Al Dah, and had previously been working with his son Campbell, through he announced he was retiring earlier this year.
Two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua paid tribute to Hatton via Instagram, summing the man and fighter up perfectly.
“RIP Hitman. One of the best to do it. Our British hero.”
Hatton’s passing aged just 46 was marked by a minute’s silence ahead of the Manchester derby yesterday, and he will continued to be mourned on these shores while the country remembers his incredible achievements and working class hero story.
