Ricky Hatton, the former world lightweight and light-welterweight boxing champion, was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday morning. Greater Manchester Police said there were not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the 46-year-old's death.

Officers were called by a member of the public to Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45 a.m., a police spokesperson said. A cordon was in place at the property as inquiries continued. Friends had been concerned the previous evening after Hatton failed to appear at an event featuring one of the boxers he coached, the Daily Mail reported.

Hatton, known as "The Hitman," won world titles during a career that made him one of Britain’s best-known fighters. After retiring from professional boxing he moved into coaching and management and had announced a planned ring return with a fight scheduled for December.

The former champion, who was awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2007, had spoken publicly about his struggles with mental health and drug addiction. Among those to pay tribute were fellow competitors from the 2024 series of ITV's Dancing On Ice, where Hatton had appeared alongside other celebrities.

Olympian Greg Rutherford, who skated with Hatton on the show, said he had been struck by the boxer's kindness and recalled private conversations they had about mental health. Rutherford said Hatton offered support during talks about the difficulties both men had faced. Fellow Dancing On Ice contestant Amber Davies posted on Instagram, "Lovely Roicky, thinking of all his loved ones. One of the sweetest during our time together on Dancing On Ice. RIP." Media commentator Piers Morgan wrote on X: "RIP Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton, 46. Found dead at his home in Manchester, police say no suspicious circumstances. What incredibly sad news."

Hatton rose to prominence in the late 1990s and 2000s, capturing the British, European and world titles at light-welterweight and lightweight and becoming a major draw in British boxing. His career included high-profile victories and headline-making defeats; his popularity extended beyond the ring and into television and public appearances.

Following retirement from active competition, Hatton worked as a trainer and promoter and remained involved in the sport. He had in recent weeks announced plans for a comeback fight in December and was listed as coaching boxers at events in the region.

Greater Manchester Police asked anyone with information to contact officers as inquiries continued. No formal cause of death had been released by the time of publication.

Hatton's death prompted an outpouring of messages from sporting figures and entertainers who highlighted his generosity and warmth as well as his status in boxing. Tributes reflected on both his achievements in the ring and his openness about personal struggles, part of a broader public conversation about mental health in elite sport.