Ricky Hatton, 46, found dead at home in Manchester | Boxing News

British boxing legend Ricky Hatton has been found dead at his home in Greater Manchester at the age of 46. The iconic fighter competed between 1997 and 2012 before working as a promoter and coach. He gained a complete of six world titles across three weight divisions and might be remembered as one of the best UK fighters of his era.

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that a physique was found and said that the death is just not being handled as suspicious. A police cordon stays in place at Hatton’s home in Gee Cross, Hyde. He would have turned 47 next month and leaves behind three youngsters including his son Campbell, who also boxed professionally before retiring earlier this 12 months.

A police spokesperson confirmed: “We can confirm that we have found a body at an address on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross at 6.45am today, Sunday, September 14. The death is not being treated as suspicious.”

The devastating news comes months after Hatton announced his deliberate return to the boxing ring, with a combat pencilled in for December. He was due to face United Arab Emirates fighter Eisa Al Dah over eight three-minute rounds.

Hatton was a unified world champion at light-welterweight, beating IBF champion Kostya Tszyu and WBA titlist Carlos Maussa in 2005. The following 12 months, he claimed the WBA welterweight strap by outpointing Luis Collazo.

He shared the ring with some of boxing’s greatest stars, including the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Hatton completed his skilled profession with an spectacular report of 45 victories and only three defeats.

Hatton had been impressed to return to the game by the Oasis reunion, which he hailed as ‘inspiring’ and said he hoped to do one thing comparable.

Speaking to The Sun last month, he said: “It inspired a lot of people, you know, for me to get in shape again at the age I’m at. Especially bearing in mind all my problems I’ve had personally with mental health and stuff like that.

“It was good for so many people to come up to me and go: ‘Oh, I’ve always struggled with my weight and to see you get it off at your age’.”

Tributes have been flooding in on social media with the news of Hatton’s death leaving the sporting world stunned. Piers Morgan was among those to pay tribute to the boxer, writing: “RIP Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton, 46.

“Found dead at his home in Manchester, police say no suspicious circumstances. What incredibly sad news.”

Fellow boxing icon Amir Khan wrote: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.

“As fighters, we inform ourselves we’re strong. We practice, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the toughest combat occurs in silence, in the thoughts. Mental health isn’t weak point. It’s half of being human. And we must speak about it.

“We must reach out. We must lean on each other. Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible.

“To everybody studying this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you aren’t alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more gentle, more compassion, more understanding. Rest nicely, Ricky. You’ll always have your home in the ring of our reminiscences.”

Hatton had spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and drug addiction. He overcame a fall out with his family, who he made up with after addressing his own mental health.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, go to a Samaritans department in individual or go to the Samaritans web site.