Police officially issue a statement on the death of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton, 46, revealing how he was found and the cause of his passing

Police have issued an official statement following the sudden death of legendary British boxer Ricky Hatton, who was found at his Hyde, Greater Manchester home in the early hours of Sunday morning. He was 46.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed they were called to the scene at 6:45am by a member of the public and discovered the body of a 46-year-old man. Officers said they do not believe there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Hatton, affectionately known as “The Hitman,” was a fan favourite who captured the hearts of millions. His glittering career between 1997 and 2012 saw him crowned a four-time world champion, trading punches with some of the greatest fighters in history. Beyond the ring, he was awarded an MBE and later worked as a promoter and trainer, inspiring the next generation of British boxers.

In recent years, Hatton returned to the spotlight by competing on ITV’s Dancing on Ice in 2024, where he also briefly dated Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney. Earlier this year, he stunned fans by announcing he would step back into the ring for a December comeback bout against Dubai’s Eisa Aldah, thirteen years after his last attempt at returning to professional fighting.

Tributes have flooded in from fellow boxers, celebrities, and fans. Broadcaster Piers Morgan called him “an icon of British boxing and one of its best characters.” Amir Khan described him as “a friend, a mentor, a warrior,” while Anthony Fowler admitted the news made him “feel sick.” Messages poured across social media, many remembering his grit, humour, and honesty about his battles with depression and alcohol.

Hatton was open about his struggles in life, once admitting: “I’ve always struggled with my mental health and I’ve had my problems. But to see where I was a few years ago to what I was doing now, it’s inspirational.”

The father-of-three leaves behind his son Campbell, who has followed in his footsteps as a professional boxer, and daughters Millie and Fearne. Fans and friends have united in grief, remembering a champion who wore his heart on his sleeve both inside and outside the ring.