Ricky Hatton found dead at 46; family says they were 'shocked' and thought he was in a 'good place'

Ricky Hatton, the former two-division world boxing champion, was found dead Sunday at his home in Hyde, England, his family said, prompting an outpouring of grief from across the boxing community.

Greater Manchester Police told NBC News that officers discovered a 46-year-old man inside a residence in Hyde on Sunday morning and that they did not believe foul play had occurred. Hatton’s long-time manager, Paul Speak, was identified by the family and his team as the person who found him.

In a statement posted to Instagram, Hatton’s family and team said they were "all distraught at the events of recent days" and added that, "to all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place." The statement said Hatton had spoken with family members in the "days and weeks" leading up to the weekend and had dinner with his daughters on Friday night.

Hatton, who won world titles at light welterweight and welterweight and finished his career with a 45-3 record and 32 knockouts, had been preparing for his first fight in 13 years. He was scheduled to face Eisa Al Dah in December in Dubai, a comeback the family said the former champion had been "excited" about and for which "his bag was packed, ready to go to Dubai to promote a comeback fight." The family said he planned a celebration in Dubai that would have featured his daughters, Millie and Fearne, who would have seen him fight in person for the first time.

Hatton had three children: daughters Millie and Fearne with his former fiancée Jennifer Dooley, and a son, Cooper, from a different relationship. The family statement described him as a "doting grandfather" who loved spending time with grandchildren Campbell and Lyla and said he planned to spend more time in Tenerife.

The family said a memorial service is being arranged but that it would not provide further comment while the relatives begin a period of private mourning. "The priority for all of us is to ensure the well-being and support of Richard’s children and granddaughter," the statement said. It added that the "outpouring of grief and love from the nation and worldwide shows how much Richard was loved," and that it would bring some comfort in time.

Hatton rose to prominence in the late 1990s and 2000s, becoming one of Britain’s best-known fighters with a combative style and a string of high-profile bouts. His career included capturing the light welterweight crown and subsequently the welterweight title, achievements that cemented his standing in British boxing.

Police and local authorities have not released further details about the circumstances of his death, and there has been no public announcement of an official cause. The family asked for privacy as they organize memorial arrangements and support Hatton’s children during their bereavement.

Tributes and condolences from fans, fellow fighters and public figures circulated on social media and at sites associated with the boxer following the family’s announcement. The statement conveyed appreciation for the public response while underscoring the family’s wish for a private period of mourning.

Hatton’s manager, boxing peers and former opponents have previously spoken publicly about his struggles after retiring from full-time competition, and his planned return to the ring this winter had been widely reported as a personal and professional attempt to re-engage with the sport he had long represented. Authorities said they would not be treating the death as suspicious while inquiries continued.