Ricky Hatton, the former world lightweight and light-welterweight champion, was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday morning, police said, and his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Greater Manchester Police said officers were called by a member of the public to Bowlacre Road in Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45 a.m., where they discovered the body of a 46-year-old man. A police cordon remained in place as inquiries continued but detectives said there were not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.
Hatton, who rose to fame in the 2000s and was awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to sport, had retired from professional competition and moved into coaching. In recent weeks he had announced plans to return to the ring, with a fight reported to be scheduled for December. Friends had expressed concern when he failed to appear at an event for one of his boxers the previous evening, according to reports.
Actress and former Dancing On Ice contestant Claire Sweeney, who dated Hatton after they spent time together on the 2024 series of the ITV show, posted a supportive message to him in the weeks before his death. Sweeney, 54, shared a video announcing his comeback and captioned it "This is brilliant," while keeping in contact after their split. Sweeney and Hatton had known each other for about 25 years before their relationship began; they reportedly split in December 2024 after eight months together but remained friends.
The boxing community and a number of celebrities paid tribute after news of Hatton's death. Olympic long jumper Greg Rutherford, who competed alongside Hatton on Dancing On Ice, described him as "a great human first and one of the greatest boxers we've seen," praising Hatton's kindness and support during conversations about mental health. Hatton's former skating partner on the show, Robin Johnston, said Hatton "seemed in such good form" and recalled his excitement watching a Torvill and Dean show with his daughters in attendance.
Other public figures offered condolences on social media. Oti Mabuse, who served as a judge on Dancing On Ice, called him "kindest heart and sweetest man." Former England footballer David Beckham shared an image from Hatton's boxing career and wrote that the news was "just heartbreaking," quoting Hatton on his connection with fans. Contestants and colleagues from the show, including Adele Roberts, and actors such as Will Mellor and Ray Winstone, also posted messages of sorrow.
Hatton had been open in public about struggles with mental health and past drug addiction. After retiring from active competition he remained a prominent figure in British boxing as a trainer and promoter. He was widely recognised for his aggressive fighting style and his popularity with fans, often referred to by his nickname "The Hitman."
Greater Manchester Police made no immediate announcement about the cause of death beyond their statement that there were no suspicious circumstances; formal confirmation and any further details are expected to follow pending investigative and family procedures. Hatton's family has not yet issued a full public statement.
Tributes and memories of his career reflected both his sporting achievements and his profile in British popular culture, where his appearances on television and in public life extended his reach beyond the boxing ring.