World boxing champion Ricky Hatton has been found dead at the age of 46.
Police have confirmed that a body has been found at a home in Greater Manchester.
The legendary Stockport-born fighter announced his return to boxing just months ago with a fight planned in December.
A police cordon is in place at his home on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross, Hyde.
During his career, the fighter held multiple world championships and UK titles.
He was named Fighter of the Year in 2005.
Hatton had spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and drug addiction.
Tributes have begun to pour in from across the sporting world.
A GMP spokesperson 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."
They added: "Officers 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.
"We are not currently confirming the identity of the dead man but are working with his family to provide a tribute for the media."
Known as "The Hurricane" Hatton had last fought in November 2022, where he got his career farewell in an exhibition with Marco Antonio Barrera.
His professional career spanned from 1997 to 2012.
The British sporting icon would have turned 47 in October.
In July this year, Hatton announced that he was coming out of retirement to fight 46-year-old Eisa Al Dah in Dubai on December 2.
Speaking on the comeback, he said: "I’m very much looking forward to it myself. What you’re trying to do there for boxing in Dubai is fantastic. Hopefully this will be a spinoff for more events for you to have over there and hopefully we can get the ball rolling with a bang.”
Hatton was a passionate supporter of Manchester City football club, with his father and grandfather both former players of the Sky Blues.
Most famous for his iconic fights against legends like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, He received an MBE for services to sport in the 2007 New Year Honours.
Bolton-born boxer Amir Khan led the tributes, describing Hatton as a "friend", a "mentor" and a "warrior".
He said: "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."
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