Ricky Hatton has been found dead at his home in Greater Manchester, with police saying that the death is not being treated as suspicious
World boxing champion Ricky Hatton has tragically been found dead at his home in Greater Manchester.
The Stockport-born fighter was just 46 years old. A police cordon is currently in place at his residence on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross, Hyde.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed the discovery of a body and stated that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
This heartbreaking news arrives only months after the legendary fighter announced his comeback to the ring with a fight scheduled for December.
Hatton, who would have celebrated his 47th birthday in October, had candidly spoken about his battles with mental health issues and drug addiction.
Throughout his illustrious boxing career, he held numerous world championships, as well as UK titles, and was honoured as Fighter of the Year in 2015.
A spokesperson for GMP said: “We can confirm that we have found a body at an address on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross at 6.45am today, Sunday, September 14. The death is not being treated as suspicious.”
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has called Ricky Hatton a ‘British icon’ and paid tribute to the former Boxer.
Speaking on Sky Sports not long after the news of the news, he said: “Obviously the news is devastating. We got it what, half an hour ago? I was taken aback, to be honest, because he was such an icon. British icon, boxing, sports, a true Man City fan.
“But most importantly he was a man of the people. The nicest guy ever. I remember going down to one of his gyms, I was a bit nervous because I didn’t really know about boxing, he said just do this, he took his time.
“This was before the takeover – Man City weren’t what they are now – and for him to take the time and effort, multiple times with beers with him just talking about football and life, he was a deep person. Very deep. He overthought a lot of things and the news is just devastating. It’s ruined my mood for the whole day. He’d be here today celebrating. He’s had a box here many times. To get this news now feels surreal. For someone so young for it to happen now, it’s devastating.”
‘What a guy’
Former Liverpool and Manchester United striker Michael Owen is the latest sportsman to pay tribute to Ricky Hatton’s sad passing.
Chris Eubank Jr has paid tribute to Ricky Hatton after his passing at the age of 46.
“Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton,” he said. Boxing promoter Turki Al-Sheikh added: “I am saddened by the tragic news of Ricky Hatton’s passing at the young age of 46.
“He was a great fighter and a legend in British boxing.”
Tributes continue
Former professional boxer Anthony Fowler has followed some touching tributes. The Liverpool-born has previously admitted he looked up to Ricky Hatton.