Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton — who fought such esteemed opponents as Australia’s Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao — has died at the age of 46.
Britain’s PA news agency reported Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, near Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police said they were not treating the death as suspicious.
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A police spokesperson said: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6.45am today (Sunday) where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”
Hatton won world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight and his all-action style made him one of the most popular fighters in the first decade of the new century.
He rose through amateur and domestic levels to pit his wits against the best boxers of his generation including Tszyu, Mayweather and Pacquiao.
Hatton’s down-to-earth demeanour also endeared him to fans across the world, and he was open about the mental health issues he endured on his retirement from the ring.
He overcame a fallout with his family and a court case with his former trainer Billy Graham to become a successful trainer, coaching Zhanat Zhakiyanov to a world bantamweight title win in 2017.
Hatton announced in July that he would make a return to boxing in December in a professional bout against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai.
Figures from across the sports world began to pay tribute to Hatton on Sunday.
Fellow former world champion Amir Khan described Hatton as “a friend, a mentor, a warrior”.
“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 said.
“Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”
Tyson Fury wrote: “There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton.”
Elsewhere from the boxing world, Chris Eubank Jr wrote: “Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you.”
Former Ballon d’Or-winning footballer Michael Owen also paid his respects, writing: “RIP Ricky Hatton. What a guy. And what a fighter. Incredibly sad news.”
Hatton is survived by three children, Millie, Fearne and Campbell, as well as granddaughter Lyla.
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