Boxing: Former World Champion Ricky Hatton dies at 46

Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 46, as per a Press Association report on Sunday.

Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, earlier in the day. Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances. “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6.45 am (0545 GMT) today (Sunday) where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances,” a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said, as quoted by AFP.

Nicknamed “The Hitman”, Hatton was one of Britain’s most popular fighters, famed for his relentless style in the ring and huge following. He held world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweight, defeating Australian great Kostya Tszyu before taking on global stars Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Away from competition, Hatton was candid about his struggles with depression and alcohol after retiring in 2012. His openness on mental health made him a prominent voice beyond boxing.

Despite leaving the sport more than a decade ago, Hatton had continued to feature in exhibition bouts and, as recently as July, confirmed plans for a professional comeback against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai this December. Only days ago, he had posted videos of himself training in the gym.

Tributes began to pour in on Sunday from within boxing and beyond, showing the massive impact of a fighter who reached far beyond the sport.

Hatton, who spent his entire life in Greater Manchester, leaves behind a legacy defined not only by his titles and famous bouts in the ring but also by his openness to confront the challenges that followed.

Catch Lovlina Borgohain's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 5. Watch Here