British boxing legend Ricky Hatton has been found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester. The 46-year-old former light-welterweight and welterweight world champion was one of the most popular boxers in British history.
His death is not being treated as suspicious, according to Greater Manchester Police.
"Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45 am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man," police authorities said in a statement.
Hatton was crowned world champion for the first time in 2005 when he beat Kosta Tszyu. He retired from boxing in 2022, but later announced a return for a bout planned for December this year.
News of Hatton’s death comes two months after he announced he would make a return to boxing in December in a professional bout against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai.
Tributes were quick to pour in on Sunday morning.
“Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton,” former world champion Amir Khan posted on X.
Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury took to Instagram and posted photos of the pair together, writing “There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this so young.”
In a post on X, Hatton's former manager, Frank Warren, described him as a “superbly talented fighter who inspired a generation of young boxers and fans in a way very few had done before," adding he will “rightly go down as one of the modern greats of this sport.”
Football club Manchester City, who Hatton was a lifelong fan of, announced there would be a minute of appreciation for the former boxing champion at Sunday's game against Manchester United.
“Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters, who will always be remembered for a glittering boxing career that saw him win world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight,” the club said in a statement. “Everyone at the Club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
