“Sad I never got the chance to meet him” – Luke Littler pays tribute to massive darts fan Ricky Hatton after shock passing of British boxing icon
The darts community is mourning the loss of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton, who tragically passed away at the age of 46 on September 14, 2025, at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester. Hatton, known as “The Hitman” and a two-weight world champion with a 45-3 record, was found unresponsive by Greater Manchester Police following a welfare check; his death is not considered suspicious. The news has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across sports, including from darts sensation Luke Littler, who expressed deep regret at never having met the boxing icon, whom he admired through late-night viewings of his fights. Littler, alongside fellow PDC stars Chris Dobey and Ross Smith, shared personal reflections on Hatton’s character, describing him as a “proper lad” who bridged the worlds of boxing and darts with his infectious energy and humility.
Littler’s Poignant Regret
Littler, the 18-year-old reigning PDC World Champion and darts’ golden boy, was among the first from the oche to pay tribute to Hatton during the launch of Target Darts’ pop-up shop in Manchester on September 17, 2025. The Warrington teenager revealed that Hatton’s bouts had been a source of inspiration during his downtime. “What I do when I’m bored at night is go through old boxing fights and stuff like that,” Littler told *Daily Star Sport*. “My dad was talking about it, and I watched the fight against Pacquiao and Mayweather where he’s winning it and the ref was splitting it up.”
Littler expressed profound sadness at missing the opportunity to meet Hatton personally. “I think they [Chris Dobey and Ross Smith] said he was a proper lad,” he continued. “I think they said he was at the Matchplay years and years ago, but I never got the chance to meet him. It is sad.” The teenager, who has often drawn parallels between his underdog rise and Hatton’s working-class journey from Hattersley to world titles, noted the overwhelming response on social media: “Instagram, Facebook—everything’s just full of Ricky.”
Littler’s words resonate deeply in Manchester, where Hatton was a cultural icon. The event, held mere hundreds of meters from venues where Hatton once drew massive crowds, added a poignant touch to the tribute.
Darts Stars Share Fond Memories
Fellow PDC professionals Chris Dobey and Ross Smith, who joined Littler at the Manchester pop-up, painted a vivid picture of Hatton’s warmth and approachability. Dobey, the world No. 18, recalled Hatton’s presence at darts events: “Ricky was always at the Matchplay, cheering everyone on. He was down-to-earth, loved a chat, and had that infectious energy. Proper lad.” Smith, ranked No. 13, added, “He supported the underdogs—darts, boxing, didn’t matter. He was genuine, loved a laugh, and made you feel special.”
Their anecdotes highlight Hatton’s crossover appeal. A lifelong Manchester City supporter, Hatton frequently attended PDC tournaments, including the World Matchplay in Blackpool, where he mingled with players and fans alike. “Ricky’s fights had that same electric vibe as a Littler match,” Smith noted. “He brought people together.” Dobey agreed: “He’d talk darts with us, knew his stuff—loved the game as much as we did.”
Hatton’s showmanship—entering the ring to Elvis Presley’s “Blue Suede Shoes” and engaging crowds with his charisma—mirrored Littler’s on-stage flair, where the teenager often tows with fans. The darts world’s admiration for Hatton underscores his status as a “People’s Champion,” whose 2005 IBF light-welterweight win over Kostya Tszyu and 2007 WBC welterweight title made him a national treasure.
Hatton’s Legacy and Broader Tributes
Hatton’s death has elicited condolences from across sports. Fellow boxer Amir Khan called him “a friend, a mentor, a warrior,” while Manny Pacquiao remembered “unforgettable moments in boxing history.” Tyson Fury posted, “Rip to the legend @rickyhatton may he rip. There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton.” PDC chairman Barry Hearn paid tribute: “Ricky was a true friend of darts, always at our events, cheering with that massive heart.”
Hatton’s openness about mental health struggles in his 2013 autobiography *The Hitman* and his 2024 MBE for services to boxing and charity amplified his impact. Greater Manchester Mental Health noted, “It was an honour to have him open our Manchester inpatient unit.” Manchester City held a minute’s appreciation during their derby against Manchester United, honoring Hatton’s lifelong support.
Littler’s tribute, shared amid his own stellar 2025 (17 PDC titles, over £2 million in earnings), bridges darts and boxing. “He came from nothing, like me, and made it big,” Littler said. Fans on X agreed: “Littler’s words on Ricky Hatton show the respect between sports—two working-class heroes” (@DartsFanatic). As the darts calendar continues with the World Grand Prix (October 7-12), Hatton’s memory endures through stories of his kindness and resilience, qualities Littler and his peers strive to emulate.
