By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
British boxing icon Ricky Hatton, one of Manny Pacquiao’s fiercest opponents, has died at 46.
According to multiple media reports, the multiple world champion was found at his home in Greater Manchester.
Born in Stockport, England, Hatton was considered one of the most beloved and popular British boxers of all time, holding multiple world championships in the light-welterweight division and one at welterweight.
In 2005, he was named Fighter of the Year by The Ring magazine, the Boxing Writers Association of America, and ESPN.
Hatton became more popular with Filipino boxing fans after he and Pacquiao faced each other in 2009 for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) and The Ring light welterweight championship.
Billed as “The Battle of East and West” and held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Pacquiao defeated Hatton by knockout in the second round.
Amir Khan was one of the boxers who expressed early condolences to Hatton’s family.
“Today, we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible,” he added.
