Former world champion Ricky Hatton found dead at 46

Ricky Hatton, the British two-weight world champion who became one of the country's most popular boxers before publicly confronting addiction and mental-health struggles, was found dead at his home near Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday. Greater Manchester Police said his death is not being treated as suspicious and that officers were called to his £1.7 million residence after a member of the public raised the alarm.

Hatton shot to prominence in the late 1990s and 2000s, winning world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight and cultivating a large, loyal following. He went unbeaten in 43 fights before suffering a career-altering defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007. That loss, and a later stoppage by Manny Pacquiao in 2009, preceded highly publicised struggles with alcohol, drugs and depression that he discussed openly in later years as he attempted comebacks and moved into coaching.

Born in 1978 and raised on the Hattersley estate, Hatton began boxing after being bullied at primary school and trained from about age 11. He remained an amateur until 18 while working as a carpet fitter in his father’s business and turned professional in 1997. Over the next decade he became a national figure, known for his aggressive style, working-class persona and willingness to mix with fans.

Hatton’s rise included high-profile victories and packed arenas; his return to light-welterweight in 2008 produced a win over Juan Lazcano in front of about 55,000 fans at Manchester’s City of Manchester Stadium. Celebrities and tens of thousands of supporters followed him to major fights, and he was awarded an MBE in 2007. His showmanship and public profile extended beyond the ring as he took part in television programmes and later worked as a trainer.

The Mayweather fight in Las Vegas in 2007 proved a turning point. Hatton was knocked down twice in the closing rounds and lost by stoppage, an outcome he later said shattered his confidence. He returned the next year and won in Manchester, but the 2009 defeat to Pacquiao was followed by widely reported episodes of heavy drinking and drug use. Media reports at the time documented a prolonged night of substance abuse after the Pacquiao loss; Hatton later acknowledged hitting “rock bottom,” sought psychiatric help and spoke about his battles with depression and addiction.

Hatton’s personal life featured several high-profile relationships. He was in a long-term relationship with Jennifer Dooley from 2005 to 2016; the couple had two daughters, Millie and Fearne, and Hatton had a son, Campbell, from a previous relationship. In recent years he had been linked with television personality Claire Sweeney after appearing on Dancing On Ice, and he had been reported to be planning a comeback fight later this year. Two days before his death, he posted footage of training online.

Friends, former opponents and figures from British sport paid tribute after the news of his death. Former England football captain Wayne Rooney described Hatton as “a legend, a warrior and a great person.” Promoter Frank Warren called him “a British sporting icon, a man of the people,” and boxer Amir Khan reflected on the private nature of such struggles, saying: “Sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind.” Flowers, gloves and shirts were left outside Hatton’s home as fans and neighbours gathered.

Those closest to Hatton often pointed to his mother, Carol, as an enduring influence. He frequently spoke about his roots in Hyde, his daily routines and a working-class image that resonated with supporters — including stories of large breakfasts at a local café and an easy rapport with Manchester football fans. He also trained intensively and later took on coaching roles, working with younger fighters while preparing for possible returns to the ring.

Hatton’s career record, the high-profile nature of his defeats and his openness about mental-health treatment made him a prominent figure in conversations about boxer welfare and the effects of life after elite sport. He had described the difficulty of adjusting after his losses and the importance of seeking help, remarks that drew attention to the pressures faced by retired athletes.

Greater Manchester Police said inquiries were ongoing and that the death was not being treated as suspicious. Further details about next steps and any public tributes have not been announced.