Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton, dies aged 46

British boxing legend Ricky Hatton has died at the age 46 after being found at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester.

Hatton, who held multiple world championships in the light-welterweight division, as well as one at welterweight during a storied boxing career was one of the most iconic and popular British boxers of all time.

A police cordon is in place around his home and Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a body had been found at Hatton's address and that the death was not being treated as suspicious.

The Stockport-born star was named Fighter of the Year by The Ring magazine in 2015 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2024.

He was first crowned world champion when he stunned Kosta Tszyu on an iconic night in 2005 and went on to be involved in two of the biggest bouts involving a British fighter in the 21st century when he faced Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Although he lost both fights, he was beloved by a raucous fanbase who travelled thousands of miles to watch him fight due to his bravery in the ring and down-to-earth persona.

He hung up his gloves after the KO defeat to Pacquiao but returned three-and-a-half years later when he lost to Vyachslav Senchenko in 2022.

The news of his death comes months after Hatton announced another return to boxing with a fight planned in December, likely against the UAE’s first-ever professional boxer Eisa Al Dah.
He had previously spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and drug addiction.

A 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."