British boxing icon Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton, 46, found dead at home months before comeback fight

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: "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 was due to fight against United Arab Emirates boxer Eisa Al Dah in a middleweight bout on December 2 in Dubai.

Hatton had three children, Millie, Fearne, and Campbell. He also had one grandchild.

Hatton, nicknamed the Hitman in an homage to icon Thomas Hearns, won four world titles across two weight classes during his 15-year career.

He retired in 2012 with a record of 45 wins in his 48 professional fights, with 32 coming via knockout.

The Stockport-born fighter rose through amateur and domestic levels to pit his wits against the best boxers of his generation.

Council estate-born Hatton's down-to-earth demeanour endeared him to fans across the world.

Following his retirement, Hatton was open about the mental health issues he endured upon leaving the ring.

Hatton admitted struggling with cocaine use - and overcame a fallout with his family and a court case with his former trainer Billy Graham to become a successful trainer.

He won his first world title, the IBF light-welterweight belt, with a stunning underdog victory against Russian-Australian opponent Kostya Tszyu at the Manchester Arena in 2005.

The bout is considered one of the greatest fights ever by an English boxer after Tszyu threw in the towel before the twelfth round.

He followed it by securing the WBA title at the same weight against Carlos Maussa in 2006 - knocking the Colombian out in nine rounds in Sheffield.

The Hitman then vacated the titles to move up to welterweight - a change which garnered his third title against Luis Collazo in 2007 by unanimous points decision in Boston.

Hatton then returned to light welterweight to regain the IBO title, as well as secure the IBF belt.

Hatton's career suffered after he lost his first fight to American Floyd Mayweather Jr at welterweight in Las Vegas.

After two further successful defences of his light-welterweight titles, Hatton lost both to FManny Pacquiao after being knocked out in just two rounds by the Filipino.

After a two-year hiatus, Hatton announced his first retirement before announcing a comeback in 2012 to fight Ukrainian Vyacheslav Senchenko in his hometown of Manchester.

Senchenko beat Hatton by KO and the Hitman announced retirement again.

The boxing world has paid tribute to the Hitman after his untimely passing.

Team GB Olympic medallist and two-time world champion Amir Khan wrote: "Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.

"As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong — we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind. Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other.

"Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible.

"To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding.

"Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories."

Chris Eubank Jr wrote: "Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you."

Matchroom Boxing said: "(We are) saddened to hear the news of Ricky Hatton's passing. Our thoughts and condolences are with Ricky's friends and family at this tragic time. There's only one Ricky Hatton."

Former heacvyweight champion Tyson Fury wrote: "Rip to the legend Ricky Hatton may he rip.

"There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton. Can't believe this so young."

Speaking to LBC's Liam Gotting at last month's PFA Awards about his planned comeback, Hatton said: "I just got a phone call out of the blue. I did my exhibition against Marco Antonio Barrera and I kept in training, kept in the gym, kept working out, kept in shape.

"So when I came out for my exhibition it was just out of lockdown so I didn't have half the weight to lose this time.

"It's not a fight that's beyond me, when you think Manny Pacquiao fought for the world title last week. I won't be doing that again! And I think Mike Tyson fighting going into his 60s."

He added: "At the end of the day its a fight that's winnable for me and its what I do, I fight. You retire but you don't die. You've got to keep setting yourself goals and targets and that's what I've got."

The Mancunian was a lifelong Manchester City supporter, walking out to club anthem Blue Moon and wearing the Citizen's trademark sky blue on his shorts.

Hatton's passing is likely to be marked at today's Manchester derby.

Ex-City defender and broadcaster Micah Richards said: "The news is devastating. He's such a British icon... a true Man City fan, but most importantly he was a man of the people.

"He was the nicest guy ever - I remember going down to one of his gyms and I was a bit nervous because I didn't know about boxing and he said 'just do this' and he took his time.

"For him to take the time and effort, I've been multiple times for beers with him just talking about football and life. To get this news now is just surreal."

United great Roy Keane added that Hatton was a "warrior" and said: "We know how tough that sport is but my god, he gave everything for that sport. He left everything in that ring, it's absolutely shocking news."

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