Two-weight world champion boxer Ricky Hatton has been found dead at his home in Greater Manchester at the age of 46.
Hatton established himself as one of the most popular boxers in history during a professional career lasting between 1997 and 2012, backed by a huge following from England who adored his all-action fighting style and charisma outside of the ring.
Stockport-born Hatton had openly discussed his mental health struggles and drug addiction, surviving suicide attempts caused by depression.
Greater Manchester Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Ricky Hatton record: British boxing legend
Hatton held the WBU light-welterweight title between 2001 and 2004 before becoming a unified champion and a lightweight titlist.
Across his 48-fight, 32-knockout career, one of Hatton’s finest performances was an 11th-round knockout of Kostya Tszyu in Manchester in June 2005 to win the IBF and The Ring light-welterweight titles.
Aside from a comeback defeat in 2012, Hatton’s only two losses came to two all-time boxing greats in the US, against Floyd Mayweather in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009.
Ricky Hatton death: Amir Khan tribute
“Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers but a friend, a mentor, a warrior,” said former lightweight and light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan.
“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.”