Former world champion Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 46.
The Manchester-born fighter was found at his home in Hyde early on Saturday morning. Greater Manchester Police confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Hatton, nicknamed “The Hitman,” became one of Britain’s most popular sportsmen during the 2000s. A lifelong Manchester City fan, he was known for entering the ring to Blue Moon and for bringing thousands of travelling supporters with him to Las Vegas for his world title bouts.
He captured world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight, his relentless, crowd-pleasing style winning over fans both at home and abroad. After a successful rise through the amateur and domestic ranks, Hatton went on to face some of the biggest names of his era, including Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny Pacquiao. His 2005 victory over Tszyu at the MEN Arena remains one of the defining nights in British boxing.
Beloved for his everyman personality, Hatton was as much a fixture of British popular culture as he was of sport. He made guest appearances on shows like Soccer AM, had a cameo on Coronation Street, and his fans were often likened to football-style supporters thanks to their songs and chants. He also made appearances in WWE, including training segments and guest spots during major events, and even a match against Chavo Guerrero (Which he won)
He was also candid about his battles with mental health after retiring from the ring, speaking openly about the challenges he faced away from boxing.
Despite personal setbacks, including family disputes and legal battles, Hatton successfully reinvented himself as a trainer. In 2017, he guided Zhanat Zhakiyanov to a bantamweight world title. In July this year, Ricky Hatton announced plans for a December return to professional boxing, with a scheduled fight in Dubai against Eisa Al Dah.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police 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.”