Ricky Hatton found dead at 46

Former world light-welterweight champion Ricky Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday morning, Greater Manchester Police said. Officers were called at 6:45 a.m. to Bowlacre Road after a member of the public reported a concern; police said there were "not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances."

Hatton, known as "the Hitman," was 46. He rose from a working-class childhood on the Hattersley estate outside Manchester to a 15-year professional career in which he won 45 of 48 bouts and held multiple world and British titles. Friends had been concerned when he missed an appearance the previous evening for an event featuring one of his boxers, according to reports, and local media said he had been due to attend a Manchester City match later on Sunday.

Hatton became one of Britain's most popular fighters in the 2000s, combining an aggressive style with a raucous Manchester following. He defeated notable opponents including Russia's Kostya Tszyu and Mexico's Jose Luis Castillo, and his rise culminated in headline bouts in Las Vegas. His 2007 fight against Floyd Mayweather was one of the highest-profile matches of his career; Hatton lost to the American in a bout that followed a streak of major domestic and international victories.

Awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to sport, Hatton later moved into coaching and remained active in the boxing community. He announced a planned return to the ring in July and was reported to be preparing for a fight scheduled for December. Two days before his death he shared footage on social media of an intense bag session as part of his comeback preparations.

Born in Stockport in October 1978 and raised on the Hattersley estate in Tameside, Hatton credited his upbringing and his parents — who owned several pubs — with instilling a strong work ethic. His parents installed a gym in the cellar of the family pub when he was 12, an early training space that he and his supporters later recalled as formative in his development as a fighter.

Hatton's personal life included periods of well-documented struggle. He spoke publicly about long-term battles with depression, substance misuse and multiple suicide attempts, saying in past interviews that he had reached a low point following the loss to Mayweather and amid disputes with family and his trainer. He reconciled with his parents in 2019 after several years of estrangement and later credited the birth of his daughter with helping him seek treatment and sobriety.

Beyond the ring, Hatton took on community roles, serving as a patron of a Manchester homeless charity and frequently returning to his local area. He had three children: a son, Campbell, and two daughters, Millie and Fearne. Campbell retired from boxing earlier this year.

Hatton's career and life were closely tied to his roots on Hattersley, a council estate he described as "rough and ready" but populated by people he called "some of the nicest you could hope to meet." He remained based in Greater Manchester, living within a few miles of his childhood neighbourhood.

Greater Manchester Police said a cordon was in place at the property while enquiries continued. The force did not provide further details on the cause of death on Sunday. There was no immediate comment from surviving family members or his management when reached by reporters.

Tributes from fans, former opponents and figures in British boxing were expected as the sport and Hatton's home city reacted to the news. Hatton's rise from a pub cellar gym to world title fights made him a prominent figure in British boxing during his career, and his openness about mental health struggles prompted public discussion about athlete welfare in later years.