Ricky Hatton’s former coach leaves heartbreaking apology after boxer’s death

Ricky Hatton’s former coach Billy Graham has left a heartbreaking message after the legendary British boxer’s tragic death at the age of just 46

Former boxing trainer Billy Graham left a heartbreaking tribute following Ricky Hatton’s death at just 46.

The boxing legend was discovered dead on Sunday morning, September 14, after friends raised concerns when he didn’t turn up to an event the previous evening. Authorities later confirmed they had located him, stating there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the passing of the Manchester fighter.

An outpouring of tributes quickly followed for the fighter who claimed world champion status in 2005 and featured in some of Britain’s most memorable boxing encounters. His rise to fame came through his triumph over Kostya Tszyu, which saw him take thousands of supporters to Las Vegas for blockbuster clashes with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Both opponents defeated him, with his crushing knockout loss to Pacquiao forcing Hatton into retirement and plunging him into severe depression. The boxing hero endured a turbulent private life, becoming alienated from his parents after a bitter financial dispute, while also facing legal action from coach Graham over unpaid fees from one of his bouts.

An agreement was eventually reached and the duo later reconciled. Graham placed a floral tribute outside Hatton’s home on Sunday, accompanied by the touching words: “Sorry I wasn’t there for you”, reports the Mirror.

Speaking in 2015 following a celebration marking the anniversary of his world title triumph against Tszyu, Hatton revealed: “The biggest thrill for me at my party was Billy Graham being there. I couldn’t stop crying when I saw him and I’m going to meet him when I come back from my holiday so we can have a proper catch-up.

“We invited him to the party but he never replied, and I thought maybe there’s just too much water under the bridge between us. Celebrating that night without Billy being there would have been eating away at me as it wouldn’t have been right to not have my trainer and best mate there.”

The boxing world and beyond has been inundated with heartfelt tributes. Former world champion and close friend Amir Khan hailed him as a “mentor, warrior and one of Britain’s greatest boxers”.

Khan expressed: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.”

In recent times, Hatton had been candid about his battles with mental health, prompting Khan to reflect: “As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong – we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind.

“Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other. Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible.

“To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding. Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”

Tyson Fury, Britain’s former world heavyweight champion, paid his respects on Instagram with a heartfelt message alongside two photos of him and Hatton: “Rip to the legend @rickyhatton may he rip. There will only ever be 1 Ricky hatton. can’t believe this so young.”

Anthony Joshua penned: “RIP Hitman. One of the best to do it. Our British hero”, while Chris Eubank Sr added: “Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you.”

Frank Warren, Hatton’s former promoter, expressed his sorrow: “I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton. A superbly talented fighter who inspired a generation of young boxers and fans in a way very few had done before due to both his personality and the entertainment he provided in the ring.”

He continued: “From making his debut Widnes in 1997 to then go on to win one of the most historic fights in British boxing history against Kostya Tszyu in Manchester, Ricky will rightly go down as one of the modern greats of this sport.”