Former world champion Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 46.

Nicknamed ‘the Hitman’, he won world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight and was one of Britain’s most popular fighters.

His body was found at his home in Manchester on Sunday.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man.

“There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”

Hatton, who won 45 of his 48 professional bouts across an esteemed 15-year career, last fought professionally in 2012.

He earned notable world title wins over Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, before defeats by Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Hatton inspired a devoted following during his glittering career.

More than 30,000 fans travelled to Las Vegas for Hatton’s title fight with Mayweather in 2007, and a chorus of “there’s only one Ricky Hatton” echoed around the MGM Grand even after he was stopped.

Those same chants were heard in his final professional fight in his home city of Manchester five years later.

In July Hatton announced his return to the ring. He was due to fight Eisa Al Dah at middleweight on 2 December in Dubai.

Organisers said the contest would be a professional bout, but it was unclear whether it would be fully sanctioned.

Hatton made an unsuccessful professional comeback in 2012, when he lost to Vyacheslav Senchenko in Manchester, and fought Marco Antonio Barrera in an exhibition in 2022.

After agreeing to fight former rival turned friend Barrera, Hatton spoke about his battles with depression.

In 2023 he was the subject of a documentary ‘Hatton’, in which he discussed his personal life and mental health issues.

‘Only one Ricky Hatton’ – Fury leads tributes

Former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury wrote on Instagram: “RIP to the legend Ricky Hatton.

“There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this – so young.”

Former light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan wrote on X: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior.

“Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”

IBO world middleweight champion Chris Eubank Jr said: “Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you”.

The World Boxing Association said Hatton’s legacy would “live on in every fight and in the hearts of boxing fans around the world”, describing him as a “true champion, an indomitable spirit and a legend of the sport”.

Frank Warren was Hatton’s promoter from his professional debut in 1997 to his world title victory over Tszyu in 2005.

He wrote on X: "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.

“From making his debut in 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.”

Hatton was a well-known Manchester City fan and the club said a minute’s appreciation will be held before Sunday’s Premier League match against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium at 16:30 BST.

A club statement read: ”Hatton wore sky blue shorts and used ‘Blue Moon’ as his walkout song throughout his career. Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters. He will always be remembered.”

Former City defender Micah Richards told Sky Sports: “The news is devastating. He’s such a British icon – a true Man City fan – but most importantly he was a man of the people. He was the nicest guy ever.”

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane described Hatton as a warrior, adding: “He gave everything for that sport. He left everything in that ring.” (BBC)

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