Former welterweight and light-welterweight champion, Ricky ‘Hitman’ Hatton has died aged 46.

British police confirmed Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday morning.

The late British boxer had announced his return to boxing, with a fight against United Arab Emirates’ Eisa Al Dah in a middleweight bout scheduled for 2 December.

Hatton won 45 of his 48 professional bouts across an esteemed 15-year career and earned notable world title wins over Russia’s Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo among others, before defeats by Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquaio.

“Rip to the legend Ricky Hatton may he rip, there will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this so young,” posted by Tyson Fury on Instagram.

Amir Khan shared on X, “today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior. Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”

“Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you,” Chris Eubank Jr posted.

“He’s such a British icon… a true Man City fan, but most importantly he was a man of the people,” said former Manchester City defender Micah Richards.