“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard,” read a statement from Ricky Hatton’s family following his sudden death on Sunday. Ricky Hatton, the former two-weight world champion, was found at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester. Police have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his passing. Regardless, the 46-year-old’s family remembered him as “so much more than a world champion.”

To them, ‘The Hitman’ was “simply ‘Richard’, our son,” an exemplary figure who was also a “loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend.” To the world, however, Ricky Hatton was the celebrated world champion who inspired generations of fighters before retiring in November 2012 with a record of 45-3. Among those deeply affected was legendary announcer Michael Buffer, who had introduced several of Hatton’s fights.

Michael Buffer recalls a special moment with Ricky Hatton

Speaking to Sky Sports recently, Buffer anguished over Hatton’s passing. “It was always so exciting because whenever I introduced him, there was always that massive crowd of support and love and everything,” Buffer told the reporter. “Looking back, it was so difficult for me to even say anything on social media. I haven’t even been able to do it yet, just to write anything.” Yet, he looked back at Hatton’s May 2008 fight against Juan Lazcano. 

Just five months prior, Hatton had suffered his first career loss to the legendary Floyd Mayweather. “When he fought at Manchester City Stadium and had 55,000 people there… I remember when I announced him as the winner… he put his arm around me, and I said his name, like, right to his face. And it just, it was a great moment. It was just special. It’s hard to even talk about it now,” Buffer said during the interview.

This interview appearance seems to have finally given him the courage to address Hatton’s death, as he paid tribute to the Brit on social media. “Heartbreaking to know I’ll never have a special hug from Ricky again,” Hatton wrote on X, responding to the clip of his interview with Sky Sports. “He was special, and he will be missed by so many! R.I.P. Ricky Hatton with Love & Respect 4ever!Champion 4ever!”

Hatton’s passing came as a shock to everyone in the boxing community. Buffer wasn’t alone, though, in mourning Hatton’s sudden passing. 

Campbell Hatton pays tribute to legendary father

Campbell Hatton finally broke the silence since his father’s passing, as he paid a heartfelt tribute to his legendary father on social media. Sharing a series of family photos, Campbell wrote, “Heartbroken isn’t the word. Everybody has always said I was your double – never a truer word said. Looked up to you in every aspect of life.”

The 23-year-old, who followed his father into professional boxing before retiring earlier this year, spoke of the memories he will always treasure. “Can’t explain how much I’m going to miss the laughs we had and all the good times, which I will remember forever. Just can’t believe we won’t have any more. Love you, Dad.”

2025 continues to be a trying year for the sport of boxing. From George Foreman to Joe Bugner and now Ricky Hatton, fans had to part ways with some of the greatest names in the sport. Do you have any parting words for the late legend?