British boxing champion Ricky Hatton has been found dead at his home aged 46, Greater Manchester Police say
Hatton's stellar career included world titles in two weight classes - light-welterweight and welterweight - here's a brief look at his highlights
Hatton was a life-long Manchester City supporter - and the club has held a minute of appreciation for him at today's derby against Manchester United
Tributes are flooding in for the world champion boxer, with Tyson Fury saying there "will only ever be one Ricky Hatton" and Amir Khan saying he will always have a "place in the ring of our memories"
Ricky Hatton carried fans - all of whom felt they knew him - to a wonderland they will never forget, writes BBC Sport's Luke Reddy
"The world is shocked" by the news of Ricky Hatton's death, Former boxer Billy Schwer says.
Reflecting on Hatton's personality, he says the boxer was a "larger than life character" who was loved by everyone.
One of the most memorable things about him was his sense of humour, Schwer recalls.
'Funny and loveable': How boxer Billy Schwer remembers Hatton
Image source, Matthew Lewis/Getty ImagesRicky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao are presented with Manchester City shirts in 2009
Hatton was a lifelong supporter of Manchester City Football Club (MCFC).
The club have made a statement following the boxer's death at the age of 46.
In a statement they say that "few, if any, British boxers can claim to have garnered such a dedicated fanbase".
"His audience were captivated by his relentless, front-foot boxing style and felt a deep connection to the humble, down-to-earth human being he had always been."
They reference his love for the club, as he wore sky blue coloured shorts and used the Man City-related song Blue Moon to walk out to throughout his career.
He also fought Juan Lazcano at the Etihad Stadium, home to Man City.
"Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters. He will always be remembered," the statement continued.
"Everyone at the Club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time."
The club adds it will hold a "minute's appreciation" at today's derby against Manchester United.
Image source, Getty ImagesRicky and Frank in 2001
We've just seen a tribute from his former promoter Frank Warren.
Warren, who managed Hatton’s career from his professional debut in 1997 up to his historic world title win over Kostya Tszyu in 2005, said on X: "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."
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock"We'll miss you Ricky," writes football manager, and former Manchester City player Vincent Kompany.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends" he says on X, alongside a photo of himself, Hatton and Liam Gallagher. "Rest in peace legend".
A passionate Manchester City club supporter, Ricky Hatton was known to enter the ring to the song Blue Moon, the club's anthem.
Image source, John Gichigi/AllsportRicky Hatton outside the Mottram and Hattersley ABC in Manchester, 1999
Ricky Hatton was notable for his huge success and his down-to-earth charm.
Born in Stockport, Manchester, in October 1978, he was a proud Mancunian his whole life. He supported Manchester City football club, and was friends with the Gallagher brothers.
He grew up in a pub on a council estate, and Hatton told the Guardian in 2009 that "me and my brother, Matthew, used to help out in the pub for pocket money".
Hatton made his boxing debut at 11.
His parents made a small gym in the pub basement when he was 12, where he used to practice on a punching bag.
Until he turned professional, Hatton worked in the family carpet business. "I wasn't much good," he said of it.
He had a brief but successful amateur career in boxing, then the rest is history.
Hatton has three children, and was never married.
Eleanor Shearwood and Vicky Carter
BBC Newsbeat
Aneek Hushen, an elite amateur boxer from Bolton, describes Ricky Hatton’s death as “a massive loss to the boxing world”.
"I looked up to him, coming from humble beginnings". To see where he went - becoming a two weight world champion - made me think “young fighters like me can do the same thing”.
He adds his popularity is not just in Manchester but all around the world and it’ll have “a massive impact, especially for young fighters”.
In our next post, we'll take a closer look at Hatton's rise to fame from what Aneek describes as his "humble beginnings".
In recent years, Hatton became vocal about his own struggles with mental health, and tried to help others too.
He became an ambassador for the mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably in 2023.
"If a boxer can come out and say they're struggling and crying every day, it's going to make a huge difference," he explained to the BBC in 2020.
"Having gone through it, I now see it as my job to help those suffering with mental health."
If you are struggling and need support, you can find help and resources at BBC Action Line.
Image source, Getty ImagesRicky Hatton enjoyed a close friendship with the Gallagher brothers of the rock band Oasis, Liam and Noel, seen here in 2008
Image source, Getty ImagesHe took part in the 2024 series of celebrity ice skating competition 'Dancing on Ice', where he was paired with professional skater Robin Johnstone
Image source, Getty ImagesHatton was the subject of a 2023 documentary 'Hatton' which reflected on his personal life and mental health battles - pictured here at the premiere with the film's director Dan Dewsbury
Image source, ReutersBoxing champion Ricky Hatton has died aged 46.
Here's what you need to know:
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Manchester City defender Micah Richards has been paying tribute to his friend, Ricky Hatton, on Sky Sports now ahead of this afternoon's Manchester derby.
"The news is devastating," Richards says.
"He's such a British icon... a true Man City fan, but most importantly he was a man of the people.
"He was the nicest guy ever - I remember going down to one of his gyms and I was a bit nervous because I didn't know about boxing and he said 'just do this' and he took his time.
"For him to take the time and effort, I've been multiple times for beers with him just talking about football and life.
"To get this news now is just surreal."
Image source, Getty ImagesFellow British boxer Chris Eubank Jr has a tribute to Ricky Hatton on X.
Quote MessageRest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you."
Chris Eubank Jr
Speaking to BBC News, BBC Sport Centre's Hugh Ferris says Hatton was a sporting icon, not only in what he achieved, but for the city in which he lived, Manchester.
Manchester, a city divided by its two football teams, United and City, was united by the boxer, Ferris explains.
"He was able to unite a city in support of his efforts in the boxing ring."
However, he was an "absolute die hard blue" - also known as a fan of Manchester City.
Hatton was also friends with the Gallagher brothers, otherwise known as Oasis, fellow Mancunian legends.
Outside of the ring, "he was a Manchester lad" who went out with friends, Ferris continues.
"Here in the city of Manchester, and beyond throughout the world, he was an incredibly popular man."
Image source, Getty ImagesWe've also just heard from former Liverpool footballer Michael Owen: "RIP Ricky Hatton", he writes.
"What a guy. And what a fighter" he says on X. "Incredibly sad news."
Image source, Action Images/ReutersHatton had announced his return to boxing during the summer, with a fight with United Arab Emirates' Eisa Al Dah in a middleweight bout scheduled for 2 December.
Hatton, who won 45 of his 48 professional bouts across an esteemed 15-year career, had last fought professionally in 2012, suffering defeat by Ukraine's Vyacheslav Senchenko.
In his career, Hatton won world titles at both welterweight and light-welterweight.
He earned notable world title wins over Russia's Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo among others, before defeats by Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquaio.
Image source, Getty ImagesIn the last few moments we've also heard from boxing great Tyson Fury.
"Rip to the legend Ricky Hatton may he rip," the former heayweight world champion posted on Instagram.
"There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton. Can't believe this so young."
Image source, Getty ImagesAmir Khan (left) with Ricky Hatton (right)
Tributes have started to pour in for Ricky 'The Hitman' Hatton.
"Today we lost not only one of Britain's greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior" says boxer Amir Khan, paying tribute on X.
"Rest well, Ricky. You'll always have your place in the ring of our memories."
Fellow boxer Anthony Fowler has also taken to X: "Feel sick" he writes. "RIP Ricky Hatton".
Quote MessageRicky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit."
Amir Khan, Boxer
Image source, Getty ImagesHatton's stellar career included world titles in two weight classes - light-welterweight and welterweight.
Nicknamed "The Hitman", his all-action style made him one of the most popular fighters in the first decade of the 21st century.
He rose through amateur and domestic levels to pit his wits against the best boxers of his generation including Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao.
He also achieved a staggering 43-0 record before his first loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr at the MGM Grand in 2007.
Image source, ReutersHatton was known to fans around the world for his down-to-earth demeanour
Image source, ReutersHe won world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight, pictured here celebrating victory against Paulie Malignaggi to retain the IBO and The Ring Light-Welterweight Titles on November 22, 2008
Image source, PA MediaTaking on the USA's Floyd Mayweather in December 2007, Hatton's all-action style made him one of the most popular fighters of that decade
We can now just bring you a statement from Greater Manchester Police, it says:
Quote MessageOfficers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, 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."
Greater Manchester Police
Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 46.
Police said a 46-year-old man was found dead this morning at his home in Hyde in Tameside, Greater Manchester.
His death is not being treated as suspicious.
We'll be bringing you reaction and updates as we get them, so stick with us.