Former world champion Ricky Hatton dies at 46
Greater Manchester Police say a body was found in Hyde and the death is not being treated as suspicious; Hatton had been due to make a comeback in Dubai
Ricky Hatton, a British former two-division world champion, was found dead Sunday at an address in Hyde, Greater Manchester, police said. He was 46.
Greater Manchester Police said a body was discovered on Sunday morning and that the death "is not being treated as suspicious." The BBC and other outlets reported Hatton had been due to make a comeback at an event in Dubai later this year.
Hatton rose to prominence in the early 2000s, winning world titles at light-welterweight and later at welterweight. His best-known victory came in 2005 when he stopped Australian Kostya Tszyu to add the IBF light-welterweight title to the WBU belt he already held. He compiled 45 wins in 48 professional bouts and entered the ring with an unbeaten 43-0 record before being floored by Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas in 2007.
Hatton retired from professional boxing in 2012. In the years after his career ended he spoke publicly about struggles with depression, alcohol and drug use. In a 2016 interview with BBC radio he said, "I was coming off the rails with my drinking and that led to drugs. It was like a runaway train," and has said he attempted to take his own life on multiple occasions.
Promoters and media had announced plans for Hatton to return to the ring later this year in Dubai, a move that had attracted attention because of his past successes and his public battle with mental health issues. Organizers had not released details of the proposed event beyond its location.
Greater Manchester Police provided no further details on the cause of death and said inquiries were continuing. Coroner procedures or further statements from Hatton's family and representatives had not been reported at the time of the police announcement.
Hatton was one of Britain's best-known boxers of his era, remembered for an aggressive, crowd-pleasing style and for marquee fights that drew worldwide attention. His victory over Tszyu and his high-profile bouts — including the 2007 meeting with Mayweather — defined a career that made him a prominent figure in British sport.
News organizations and boxing authorities were expected to provide updates as officials release additional information and as tributes from the boxing community and fans emerge.