Ricky Hatton shared the ring with the best boxers of his generation, including Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
Ricky Hatton, the former world boxing champion who rose to become one of the most popular fighters in the sport, has died. He was 46.
Hatton was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester, CBS News partner BBC News and Britain’s Press Association reported Sunday.
The World Boxing Association mourned Hatton’s death on social media Sunday.
« With deep sadness, the WBA mourns the passing of Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton », the WBA wrote. « A true champion, an indomitable spirit, and a legend of the sport. Your legacy will live on in every fight and in the hearts of boxing fans around the world. »
Police said they were not treating the death as suspicious.
« 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 », Greater Manchester Police said in a statement to BBC News. « There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances. »
Police would not reveal the identity of the man, but said they were working with his family to provide a statement for the media.
Friends of Hatton were quick to pay tribute Sunday morning.
« Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton », former world champion Amir Khan posted on X.
« Rip to the legend Ricky Hatton may he rip », former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury said in an Instagram post, with photos of the pair together. « There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton. can’t believe this so young. »
News of Hatton’s death comes two months after he announced he would make a return to boxing in December in a professional bout against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai.
