Breaking: Boxing legend Ricky Hatton, 46, found dead at home in Hyde

Tameside and the wider sporting world are in mourning following the death of former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton at the age of 46.

Known to millions as ‘The Hitman’, the Stockport-born fighter enjoyed a glittering professional career between 1997 and 2012, becoming one of Britain’s most beloved sportsmen. Hatton captured multiple world titles at light-welterweight and added a welterweight crown, thrilling fans with his relentless style and trademark body punches.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed in a statement today: “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.”

Hatton rose from humble beginnings in Greater Manchester to the very summit of world boxing. His unforgettable 2005 victory over Kostya Tszyu at the Manchester Arena remains one of the greatest nights in British boxing history. Wins over José Luis Castillo and a string of title defences cemented his reputation as a fearless crowd-pleaser.

He also shared the ring with two of the sport’s all-time greats, suffering knockout defeats to Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009, before retiring in 2012 after a final bout against Ukraine’s Vyacheslav Senchenko.

Ten years later, Hatton returned for an exhibition against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera in Manchester, delighting fans who had followed his journey from the start.

Away from the ring, Hatton faced well-documented battles with mental health and addiction. He spoke candidly about surviving suicide attempts and later reconciled with his family after years of personal turmoil. His openness helped shine a light on the struggles many men face, endearing him further to fans.

Just months ago, Hatton had announced a return to professional action, with plans to face Dubai’s Eisa Al Dah this December - 13 years after his last official fight.