Ricky Hatton dead: Police statement, tributes and legacy after boxer dies aged 46

The boxing world is still reeling from the news Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 46 after his body was found in his home in Manchester on Sunday morning.

A police cordon was in place at his home in Hyde on Sunday and police quickly revealed the death is not being treated as suspicious. Hatton had spoken candidly about his mental health struggles and battle with addiction.

The 'Hitman', who last fought professionally in 2012, had been training ahead of his return to the ring in December. Hatton was also due to attend Sunday's Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium, home of his beloved Man City. Mr Hatton had a table booked in hospitality as Pep Guardiola's side hosted Manchester United in the Premier League.

There was a minute's applause prior to kick off. Ahead of the clash, Sky Sports' coverage said there was "an extra crackle in the air" following the sky blues' fan's death. The players wore black armbands, while a black and white picture of Hatton was displayed.

Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury said live on air that "beyond his extraordinary career...as a man of the people, he was a heart on the sleeve, undiluted fan of Man City and a proud Mancunian". Former Manchester United defender turned pundit Gary Neville said Hatton was "a champion for his city and his country". Guardiola's side would go on to cruise to a 3-0 victory thanks to goals from Phil Foden and Erling Haaland. Here, we take a look at what we know...

Police statement in full

Following the news about Mr Hatton's death, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it did not believe there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding his passing. The full GMP statement read: "Officers were called by a member of the public to attend an address in Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances."

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Tributes from the sporting world

Tributes from the world of sport and beyond quickly came flooding in. Two-time heavyweight champion Tyson Fury - who had a close friendship with Hatton - expressed his disbelief. Fury took to Instagram and wrote: "RIP to the legend, Ricky Hatton. There will only be one Ricky Hatton. Can't believe this, so young." Alongside his caption was an image of Hatton and Fury in the gym with their shirts off during a period when Fury had also been suffering from depression and had ballooned in weight.

Another British boxing legend, Amir Khan, wrote: '"Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton. As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong — we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind. Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other.

"Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible. To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding. Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories."

The 2004 silver-medallist, 38, revealed the icon had been ringside at his first professional fight. And he told how Hatton even attended his 2013 wedding to beauty influencer Faryal Makhdoom. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Amir said he had been "hit quite hard" by news of Hatton's tragic passing. He said: "It's really, really sad news. It's shattering hearing the news about Ricky. You just look back and you see how short life is.

"He was at my first ever professional fight. when. I turned over and the first ever deal we did with ITV he was working on that fight with Mario Kindelan. He's always been a very close friend and he always messages me, we keep in touch. He was at my wedding. Honestly we've lost a really good man, he was an amazing man, it's really sad to hear. I hope his family are OK, my thoughts are with them. It's something that I never really expected at such a young age. It's such a shock of hearing that he's died, he's a legend of the sport. He wasn't only a professional boxer, he was a friend of mine as well. You could always have a chat with him and laugh with him. It has hit me quite hard because he was very close to me."

Manchester City posted a tribute on their official social media channels, reading: "Manchester City are devastated to learn Ricky Hatton has passed away, aged 46. Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters, who will always be remembered for a glittering boxing career that saw him win world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight. Everyone at the Club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. We can confirm there will be a minute’s appreciation ahead of today’s game against Manchester United."

Piers Morgan reacted by writing: "RIP Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton, 46. Found dead at his home in Manchester, police say no suspicious circumstances. What incredibly sad news."

Boxing promoter Frank Warren wrote: "I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton. A superbly talented fighter who inspired a generation of young boxers and fans in a way very few had done before due to both his personality and the entertainment he provided in the ring.

"From making his debut Widnes in 1997 to then go on to win one of the most historic fights in British boxing history against Kostya Tszyu in Manchester, Ricky will rightly go down as one of the modern greats of this sport. My deepest condolences go out to his family at this awful time."

Hatton's former opponent Manny Pacquiao said: "I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was not only a great fighter inside the ring but also a brave and kind man in life. We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history and I will always honor the respect and sportsmanship he showed.

"Ricky fought bravely, not just in the ring, but in his journey through life. He truly had a good fight, and we are all blessed to have been part of his wonderful journey. My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Hatton family and all his loved ones. May the Lord give you strength and comfort in this difficult time. May he rest in peace."

Hatton's legacy

The 'Hitman' held a 45-3 career record when he stepped away after losing his final professional outing against Vyacheslav Senchenko at the Manchester Arena in 2012. He had returned to the same venue for an exhibition bout against Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022, and a fight in Dubai against Eisa Al Dah had been scheduled for December of this year.

Hatton made his professional debut at Kingsway Leisure Centre in Widnes back in 1997. The Brit enjoyed a successful stint across the regional scene, winning and defending the WBU light-welterweight title on multiple occasions before making a notable impact on the world stage in 2005.

Hatton - who was one of British sport's most popular athletes during his prime - became a world champion when he stunned Kosta Tszyu back in 2005. The fan-favourite went on to be involved in two of the biggest fights involving British fighters when he took on Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in 2007 and 2009 respectively. The loss to Pacquiao brought a curtain down on his glory days, but he will still go down as a real icon given his previous accolades inside the squared-circle. The boxing legend was a huge figure in the world of boxing and was dearly loved by all.

Mental health struggle

Hatton was candid about the mental health issues he faced after he retired from the ring for a second time following an ill-advised comeback attempt against Vyacheslav Senchenko in 2012. In an interview on the BBC Radio Four ‘Today’ programme in 2016, he described his struggles with drinking and drugs and revealed he had tried to take his own life several times.

"I tried to kill myself several times," said Hatton. "I used to go to the pub, come back, take the knife out and sit there in the dark crying hysterically. There were times when I hadn't had a drink for days and I'd still come home and if something went through my mind I'd start pondering something. It was the same outcome whether I was having a drink or wasn't having a drink.

"But in the end I thought I'll end up drinking myself to death because I was so miserable. I was coming off the rails with my drinking and that led to drugs. It was like a runaway train."