Two-weight world champion boxer Ricky Hatton has been discovered lifeless at his dwelling in Higher Manchester on the age of 46.
Hatton established himself as one of the vital widespread boxers in historical past throughout an expert profession lasting between 1997 and 2012, backed by an enormous following from England who adored his all-action preventing model and charisma outdoors of the ring.
Stockport-born Hatton had overtly mentioned his psychological well being struggles and drug dependancy, surviving suicide makes an attempt brought on by melancholy.
Higher Manchester Police stated the loss of life will not be being handled as suspicious.
Ricky Hatton file: British boxing legend
Hatton held the WBU light-welterweight title between 2001 and 2004 earlier than turning into a unified champion and a light-weight titlist.
Throughout his 48-fight, 32-knockout profession, one in every of Hatton’s best performances was an Eleventh-round knockout of Kostya Tszyu in Manchester in June 2005 to win the IBF and The Ring light-welterweight titles.
Apart from a comeback defeat in 2012, Hatton’s solely two losses got here to 2 all-time boxing greats within the US, towards Floyd Mayweather in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009.
Ricky Hatton loss of life: Tributes pour in
“Right now we misplaced not solely one in every of Britain’s best boxers however a pal, a mentor, a warrior,” stated former light-weight and light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan.
“As fighters, we inform ourselves we’re sturdy — we practice, we sweat, we take hits, we stand up. However typically the toughest battle occurs in silence, within the thoughts.
“Psychological well being isn’t weak spot. It’s a part of being human. And we should speak about it. We should attain out. We should lean on one another.
“Ricky, thanks for all the pieces. In your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thanks for pushing us, displaying us what’s potential.
“To everybody studying this: when you’re hurting or struggling, you aren’t alone. Speak. Attain out. As a result of we want extra gentle, extra compassion, extra understanding.
“Relaxation nicely, Ricky. You’ll at all times have your home within the ring of our recollections.”
