Jack Grealish and Wayne Rooney Lead Emotional Tributes to Boxing Legend Ricky Hatton After His Death at 46

The sporting world is in mourning following the sudden death of British boxing icon Ricky Hatton, who passed away at the age of just 46. Known as “The Hitman,” Hatton was more than a world champion in the ring – he was a proud Manchester lad, a lifelong Manchester City supporter, and a figure who united fans across football and boxing.

News of Hatton’s passing broke on Sunday morning when police confirmed he had been found at his home in Hyde, Tameside. The tributes that poured in from athletes, fans, and celebrities alike were immediate and heartfelt – none more so than those from Manchester City loanee Jack Grealish and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, two sporting figures who shared a personal bond with Hatton.

Jack Grealish Pays Tribute to Ricky Hatton

Grealish, who made a surprise move from City to Everton on loan this summer, was among the first to react publicly to Hatton’s death. Writing on social media, the 29-year-old winger called Hatton an “absolute diamond,” capturing the affection so many felt for the popular fighter.

“Ahhhh man RIP legend. Such sad news man. An absolute diamond every time I met him! True legend. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. RIP Hitman,” Grealish posted.

Grealish’s words reflect not just respect for Hatton’s achievements inside the ring, but also admiration for the way he carried himself outside of it. Hatton was famously approachable, down-to-earth, and never forgot his roots, regularly appearing at the Etihad Stadium and mingling with fans.

Wayne Rooney Remembers Carrying Hatton’s Belts

If Grealish’s tribute spoke to the Man City faithful, Wayne Rooney’s words carried equal weight on the red half of Manchester. Rooney, who famously walked Hatton into the ring in Las Vegas before his 2007 victory over Jose Luis Castillo, admitted the news had left him “devastated.”

On Instagram, the former United captain wrote:

“Devastated. A legend, a warrior, and a great person. Thoughts are with all Ricky’s family.”

Later, on his podcast The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney shared a personal story of that night in Vegas:

“It was one of the most nervous I have ever been. I was in the pool all day in Vegas, it was hot, and my face got a bit burnt, but then I remember standing in the dressing room and being nervous. He hadn’t lost at that time. I was thinking, ‘He does not lose tonight. Is it on you? Is it your fault?’ So often you see celebrities who are not really relatable, but Ricky was certainly relatable and good fun to be around.”

Rooney went on to reflect on what Hatton meant to British sport:

“Ricky was such a good lad and a good person. He captured the nation with the support he got — fans followed him all around the world. I want to pay my condolences to his family and everyone who was really close to him. It is way too soon. It has not fully kicked in. It’s devastating. Heartbreaking. I am sure over the next few days we will see many more tributes, and people will understand what a true gentleman and good person he was.”

Manchester Derby Pauses to Remember “The Hitman”

Jack Grealish Ricky Hatton

Hatton’s passing came on the same day as one of football’s fiercest rivalries — the Manchester derby — and both clubs came together before kick-off to pay tribute. Players, staff, and fans of Manchester City and Manchester United observed a moment of reflection, setting aside their rivalry to honor a man who embodied the spirit of the city.

Supporters inside the stadium also sang “Blue Moon” in Hatton’s memory, a nod to the song he famously used as his ring-walk anthem throughout his career. It was a poignant reminder of how closely Hatton’s identity was tied to Manchester and its sporting culture.

Ricky Hatton’s Lasting Legacy

Hatton’s death has hit the British sporting public hard, not just because of his boxing exploits but because of the way he inspired loyalty and affection. With a career record of 45 wins from 48 fights, he became a two-weight world champion and brought big-time boxing nights to Manchester Arena, where thousands of fans would belt out chants and turn the venue into a sea of blue.

Outside of the ring, Hatton’s charm and humility set him apart. Whether he was joking with fans, appearing on television, or supporting Manchester City from the stands, he remained a man of the people. That relatability was one of the reasons he was so widely adored — from Hyde to Las Vegas.

A Loss Felt Beyond Boxing

Ricky Hatton v Jose Luis Castillo

Grealish and Rooney’s tributes are just two of many that have poured in, with fellow fighters, managers, pundits, and fans all sharing their grief and memories. The common thread in all of these messages is that Hatton was not just a fighter, but someone who made those around him feel seen and appreciated.

For Manchester, a city that prides itself on its grit, passion, and sense of community, Hatton was one of their own — a fighter who carried their hopes into the ring and always gave everything he had.

Farewell to “The Hitman”

As the tributes continue, one thing is clear: Ricky Hatton’s legacy will endure. Whether through the highlights of his fights, the memories shared by friends like Grealish and Rooney, or the songs sung by fans on derby day, the story of “The Hitman” will remain an inspiration.

For now, the city of Manchester mourns. And as both blue and red halves of the city stand together in grief, it feels like the most fitting tribute to a man who brought people together.