Ricky Hatton, the former world boxing champion and 2024 Dancing On Ice star, has died at the age of 46. He was found at his home in Greater Manchester early this morning. Police say his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Olympic athlete Greg Rutherford, who skated alongside Ricky on Dancing On Ice, posted a photo of the two smiling on the ice. Greg said he was heartbroken and recalled how kind and supportive Ricky was, especially during private conversations about mental health.
David Beckham also paid tribute on Instagram, calling Ricky “a great human and one of the greatest boxers we’ve seen,” sharing an old photo of Ricky and a quote from him: “As long as I’ve got the love of the fans, that means everything to me.”
Ricky’s skating partner Robin Johnston said she was devastated, remembering how excited Ricky had been recently while watching a show with his daughters, who were his “everything.” Fellow Dancing On Ice stars Amber Davies and Adele Roberts described him as kind, funny, and fearless. Judge Oti Mabuse said he was “like a father to many celebs on DOI.”
Other tributes came from TV and sports personalities. Will Mellor called Ricky “the real people’s champion” and spoke of his mental health battles. Actor Ray Winstone said the news felt like “a punch in the stomach.” Piers Morgan described Ricky as “a great champion in the ring and of the people.”
Paddy McGuinness, close friends with Ricky, fought back tears on his BBC Radio 2 show while dedicating the song Blue Moon to him. He also shared a photo of their time playing together at Soccer Aid with Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes, calling Ricky “World Champion. People’s Champion.”
Boxer Tommy Fury, who turned professional with Ricky by his side, said he was “heartbroken” and that Ricky would always be a big part of his boxing and life journey. Tommy’s partner Molly-Mae Hague also shared her condolences.
Ricky Hatton, who was awarded an MBE in 2007, had been open about his struggles with mental health and drug addiction. Friends became worried when he didn’t show up at an event last night. After a celebrated boxing career and coaching work, he had been planning a return to the ring with a fight scheduled for December.
