The boxing world reels in grief today as news breaks that legendary fighter Ricky Hatton died at his Hyde residence. Shortly after, Greater Manchester Police confirmed the 46-year-old’s passing and clarified that they are not treating the death as “suspicious.” The timing hits especially hard, as fans and the boxing community had eagerly awaited ‘The Hitman’s return after a 12-year retirement. In fact, he had planned a Middle East comeback, set to face Eisa Al Dah on December 2—less than a month before his birthday.

Tragically, few could have imagined the world would never see Ricky Hatton back in the ring. Known as ‘The Hitman,’ Hatton ranks among Britain’s most celebrated boxers. Over the course of his career, he retired in 2012 after battling personal challenges, including depression and addiction. Yet despite these struggles, Ricky Hatton built an extraordinary career, and cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s finest. Moreover, fans still vividly recall his unforgettable clash with Floyd Mayweather.

Inside the Fierce Rivalry Between Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather Jr. hung up his gloves in 2017, finishing his career with an impressive record of 50-0, highlighted by the high-profile showdown with Conor McGregor. Ricky Hatton, on the other hand, finished his career with an impressive record of 45 victories in 48 bouts, 32 of which came by way of knockout—showcasing his fierce, power-driven approach in the ring. The media stoked the flames, throwing punches as ‘The Hitman’ and ‘Money’ tossed verbal barbs in the lead-up to their clash. Inside the squared circle, they couldn’t have been more different.

Ricky Hatton thrived on pressure, charging forward, throwing flurries, and relying on raw power and stamina to overwhelm opponents. Floyd Mayweather, the defensive genius, controlled distance, countered with surgical precision, and exploited even the smallest mistakes. Hatton aimed to dominate; Mayweather aimed to frustrate. The clash of styles made for a tense, must-watch spectacle. On December 8, 2007, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Floyd Mayweather ended the drama with a 10th-round TKO, handing Ricky Hatton his first professional loss.

British fans had flocked to the States, hoping to witness the triumph of ‘The Hitman,’ undefeated and full of momentum. The Brit, however, walked away frustrated, labeling ‘Pretty boy’ “boring” and criticizing the lack of aggression. He argued the scorecards and Mayweather’s tactics prevented a fair fight—a rivalry that still sparks debate among boxing fans today.

‘The Hitman’ reveals who gave him the hardest fight: Mayweather or Pacquiao?

Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are legends whose names still dominate boxing conversations. Both retired, yet their legacies continue to spark debate. ‘Money’ perfected defensive mastery, using precision and counter-punching to control every bout. Pacquiao, by contrast, overwhelmed opponents with speed, power, and relentless aggression as a southpaw. Both elite, both unforgettable—but who was tougher? Ricky Hatton, who faced them both, has the answer.

The English, who retired with a 45-3-0 record and 32 knockouts, suffered defeats only against the sport’s giants. He first faced ‘Money’ Floyd Mayweather in 2007 for the WBC welterweight title, taking a 10th-round TKO that handed him his first professional loss. Two years later, in his penultimate fight, Hatton met Manny Pacquiao, who unleashed a crushing second-round knockout.

Even after that brutal loss, Ricky Hatton points to Floyd Mayweather as the tougher challenge. When asked by talkSPORT who he believed was superior between the two, Hatton said: “I think Floyd Mayweather [is better].” Reflecting on the Pacquiao fight, ‘The Hitman’ admitted his own decline at the time: “When I see myself getting knocked out by Pacquiao on Instagram or YouTube, it’s in the top 10 of the most destructive knockouts of all time. But I was a bit past myself at that time. I wasn’t a master of defense like Floyd Mayweather. I’d step forward to land one sometimes.”

Ultimately, boxing, Ricky Hatton implies, is about far more than aggression and sheer pace. Indeed, ‘Money’s defensive acumen, technical precision, and mastery of timing have earned him a reputation as one of the most complete fighters in the sport, even though some critics dismiss his style as “boring.”