Luke Littler, the 18-year-old darts prodigy and 2025 PDC World Champion, has led emotional tributes to boxing legend Ricky Hatton following the news of his tragic death at age 46. Hatton, known as “The Hitman” and “The Pride of Manchester,” was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14, 2025, after concerns arose when he missed a local boxing event. The former two-weight world champion, with a 45-3 record and 32 knockouts, was a beloved figure whose grit and charisma inspired athletes across sports, including darts. Littler, alongside PDC stars Chris Dobey and Ross Smith, shared heartfelt reflections at a Manchester event, revealing Hatton’s down-to-earth nature and profound impact on their lives and the sporting world.
Littler’s Emotional Tribute: “I Never Got to Meet Him”
Speaking at the launch of Target Darts’ pop-up shop in Manchester on September 17, 2025, Littler expressed deep regret at never meeting Hatton, whose fights he avidly watched. “I go through old boxing fights when I’m bored at night,” Littler told *Daily Star Sport*. “My dad was talking about Ricky, and I watched his fights against Pacquiao and Mayweather where he was winning, and the ref kept splitting it up.” The teenager, fresh off a World Series of Darts Finals runner-up finish to Michael van Gerwen, added, “Chris [Dobey] and Ross [Smith] said he was a proper lad. They met him at the Matchplay years ago, but I never got the chance. It’s sad.”
Littler, whose own underdog story from Warrington mirrors Hatton’s rise from Hattersley, noted the boxer’s universal appeal. “Instagram, Facebook—everything’s full of Ricky. He was one of boxing’s most loved characters,” he said. Hatton’s death, reported as a suspected suicide by Greater Manchester Police pending further inquiries, has rocked the sports community, with Littler’s words resonating on X: “Luke Littler’s tribute to Ricky Hatton hits hard—two working-class heroes” (@DartsFanatic).
Darts Stars Paint a Picture of “The People’s Champion”
Chris Dobey and Ross Smith, joining Littler at the Manchester event, shared personal anecdotes that highlighted Hatton’s authenticity. Dobey, the world No. 18, recalled meeting Hatton at the World Matchplay in Blackpool: “Ricky was always there, cheering us on. He’d have a pint, chat like you were mates, and just light up the room. Proper lad.” Smith, ranked No. 13, echoed this: “He supported the underdogs—darts, boxing, didn’t matter. He was genuine, loved a laugh, and made you feel special.” Their stories align with Hatton’s reputation as a fan favorite, entering the ring to Elvis Presley’s “Sweet Caroline” and engaging crowds with his showmanship—a trait Littler mirrors with his own oche theatrics.
Hatton’s presence at darts events, including past Matchplays, bridged the sports. “Ricky’s fights had that same electric vibe as a Littler match,” Smith noted. “He brought people together.” Dobey added, “He’d talk darts with us, knew his stuff—loved the game as much as we did.”
Hatton’s Legacy and Impact on Darts
Hatton’s 2005 IBF light-welterweight win over Kostya Tszyu and 2007 WBC welterweight title cemented his status, but his openness about mental health struggles in his 2013 autobiography *The Hitman* endeared him to fans. His 2024 MBE for services to boxing and charity work underscored his legacy. PDC chairman Barry Hearn paid tribute: “Ricky was a true friend of darts, always at our events, cheering with that massive heart.” Anthony Joshua and Amir Khan also honored him, with Joshua calling him “a legend who inspired millions.”
Littler, whose 2025 haul includes 17 PDC titles and over £2 million in earnings, sees parallels in Hatton’s journey. “He came from nothing, like me, and made it big,” Littler said. Fans on X agreed: “Littler mourning Hatton shows how much The Hitman meant to sport” (@TheNukeArmy). As Littler prepares for the World Grand Prix (October 7-12), his tribute to Hatton—a working-class hero whose warmth and resilience transcended boxing—reminds us of the power of authenticity in sport.
