Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton, whose all-action style made him one of the most popular fighters in the first decade of the century, has died. He was 46.
Hatton was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester, Britain’s Press Association reported on Sunday.
Police said they are not treating the death as suspicious.
Ricky Hatton looks on during a media workout ahead of his fighter’s fight earlier this year. Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images
“Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6.45am (3.45pm AEST) today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man,” Greater Manchester Police said in a statement.
“There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”
The news comes two months after Hatton announced he would make a return to boxing in December in a professional bout against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai.
“Rip to the legend Ricky Hatton may he rip,” boxing champion Tyson Fury said in an Instagram post, with photos of the pair together. “There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton. can’t believe this so young.”
Hatton won world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight.
He rose through amateur and domestic levels to pit his wits against the best boxers of his generation including Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
Ricky Hatton, left, of England, lands a right to the face of Juan Urango, of Colombia, in the fourth round of their IBF Jr welterweight title boxing match in Las Vegas on Saturday, January 20, 2007. AP Photo/ Jae C Hong, File
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 upon his retirement from the ring.
He went on to become a successful trainer, coaching Zhanat Zhakiyanov to a world bantamweight title win in 2017.
More to come.