Ricky Hatton dies aged 46: British boxing great and former world champion dies

Ricky Hatton has died aged 46.

Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde on Sunday morning. Greater Manchester Police said they are not treating the death as suspicious.

A police spokesperson 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 held multiple world championships at super-lightweight and one at welterweight during a 15-year professional career.

The British boxing great had been due to make a comeback to the ring in December.

Hatton's stellar career included epic fights against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, a legendary triumph over Kostya Tszyu.

Fury, Joshua and Pacquiao lead tributes

Former heavyweight world champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have paid tribute to Hatton.

Fury, who worked closely with Hatton in his own comeback, wrote: "May he rest in peace. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can't believe this. So young."

Joshua said: "One of the best to do it. Our British hero."

Hatton was hugely popular outside of his sport too. Wayne Rooney said: "Devastated. A legend, a warrior, and a great person. Thoughts are with all Ricky's family."

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao was a rival of Hatton's but they also had a connection beyond the ropes.

"I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was not only a great fighter inside the ring but also a brave and kind man in life. We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history and I will always honour the respect and sportsmanship he showed," Pacquiao said.

"Ricky fought bravely, not just in the ring, but in his journey through life. He truly had a good fight, and we are all blessed to have been part of his wonderful journey.

"My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Hatton family and all his loved ones. May the Lord give you strength and comfort in this difficult time. May he rest in peace."

'He left everything in the ring - that's why fans loved him'

Roy Keane has said British boxing legend Hatton was a "warrior" after his passing at the age of 46.

"The guy was a warrior, that's why fans loved to watch him in the ring. He gave everything to that sport," Keane said.

"They thought so highly of him and he left everything in the ring. Absolutely shocking news."

'An icon - and a man of the people'

Micah Richards was devastated to hear of Hatton's tragic passing.

He said: "The news is devastating. I was taken back to be honest. He is such an icon, a British icon, boxing and sport. A true Manchester City fan but most importantly, he was a man of the people.

"He was the nicest guy ever. I went to his gym and I was a bit nervous, I don't know anything about boxing, he took his time [with me].

"For him to take the time and effort. He was a deep person, very deep. The news is devastating. It feels surreal. Someone so young, it is devastating."

'One of the last working-class heroes'

Sky Sports Boxing's Andy Scott said Hatton's ability to connect with the fans made him a unique talent.

"Whatever capacity you worked with Ricky in, he treated everybody the same," he said. "He held an open training session in Hyde before the Pacquiao fight and I went along not really knowing what I was doing and he made you feel a million dollars.

"He gave you his time and he was the most hilarious guy, a real working man's hero.

"He was one of the last working-class heroes, to go from where he came from to achieve what he achieved, that resonated with so many different people. He brought the crowd into it with the energy he generated."

'A remarkable human being'

Sky Sports' Craig Slater said British sport has lost someone who truly captured the imagination of the boxing public.

"He was a remarkable human being," he said. "I had the great pleasure of knowing him as a friend. I got to know him before he turned professional and this is devastating news for all of us that knew him.

"His was without question one of the great careers in British boxing. He had some nights which were without compare in British boxing history which took the sport to new heights and reached new audiences. He was a one-off.

"We can talk about the record and the number of fans that followed him around the world but this was a beloved son, father and friend to so many people who did so much good.

"What was great about him was that he was so unassuming, modest, quiet and there was a shy side to him as well. He wasn't someone who revelled in the spotlight.

"In box office terms and in terms of capturing the public's imagination, Ricky Hatton did that more than anyone else in the last half century in British boxing."

Tributes for Hatton

A unique career

Hatton held multiple world championships in the super-lightweight and welterweight divisions during his boxing career which spanned from 1997 to 2012.

He built a passionate fanbase as he rose through the ranks and won the British super-lightweight title in 2000. His popularity reached across sport and beyond.

In 2005, in one of the most memorable nights in British boxing history he dethroned the great Kostya Tszyu to become a world champion at the MEN Arena in his Manchester hometown, which saw him recognised as the best fighter in the division. He then beat Carlos Maussa to unify the IBF and WBA titles.

Hatton made his welterweight debut the following year, claiming the WBA title by defeating Luis Collazo. After reclaiming the IBF super-lightweight belt in 2007, he brought a host of supporters over to Las Vegas when he took on another boxing great, in Floyd Mayweather. The American superstar handed Hatton the first defeat of his professional career.

He took on the best of his era when he returned to Las Vegas to fight Manny Pacquiao in 2009.

Hatton retired in 2011 but made a comeback in 2012, where he was beaten by Vyacheslav Senchenko. He was due to make a comeback later this year.

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