Ricky Hatton appeared fit and sharp as he sweated through a workout in a video he posted just days before his death.
The former World Boxing Champion died today aged 46 just weeks after announcing a dramatic return to the ring.
Hatton was discovered at his residence in Greater Manchester earlier today. There is a police cordon in place outside, although his death is not being considered suspicious.
Just two days prior, he had shared a video on Instagram appearing healthy and happy, sweating it out on a treadmill during an evening workout session.
As Ed Sheeran’s Sapphire played in the background, he turned the camera on his face and said: ‘Another 5k, good sweat on.’
In the caption he wrote: ‘Evening run in the bag. Don’t your worry about that our kid. #getupthereboy #hitman #bluemoon’
The Daily Mail understands friends were initially concerned last night, when Hatton failed to appear at an event featuring one of his boxers.
A representative from Greater Manchester Police stated: ‘Officers responded to a call from a member of the public at 6:45 am, arriving at Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside. They discovered the body of a 46-year-old man. Currently, there are no indications of suspicious circumstances.’
Earlier in the week, Hatton shared a video of himself in good health and high spirits, engaged in an energetic workout on a treadmill during the evening.
The former world champion looked in good shape in the video of him on a treadmill, with memorabilia from his fights on the walls behind him
British boxing icon Ricky Hatton has died aged 46. He is pictured here at the PFA Awards 2025 at Manchester Opera House on August 19
The former boxing star was located at his Greater Manchester abode this morning, marked by a police presence. A Manchester City flag was displayed in the front yard.
After retiring from the ring, he had moved in to coaching but was due to return to the sport with a fight planned in December.
Hatton, who was awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2007, had often spoken of his struggles with mental health and drug addiction.
But his good friend, boxing pundit Steve Bunce, today revealed he ‘was in a really good place’ after ‘facing, attacking and solving’ his addictions.
As a fervent Manchester City fan, Hatton had planned to attend the derby against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon, with arrangements made for a table in a corporate hospitality suite.
Hatton, an aggressive and brave fighter, held multiple world and UK titles during his career between 1997 and 2012. He had one son, Campbell, who retired from boxing at 24 to become a solar panel installer in July, and two daughters, Millie and Fearne.
He won 45 of his 48 professional bouts during a stellar 15-year career. Among his career highlights were defeating Russia’s Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, but he also suffered heartbreak when he lost to Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
In July, Hatton – who would have turned 47 next month – announced his return to boxing, with a fight against United Arab Emirates’ Eisa Al Dah scheduled for December 2 in Dubai.
The British boxing icon celebrates after winning the WBA light-welterweight title when he defeated Carlos Maussa
Ricky Hatton fights Floyd Mayweather at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2007
Ricky Hatton with his son Campbell during a public workout at the National Football Museum in Manchester in October 2024
Boxers past and present today led tributes to Hatton as they mourned the loss of ‘one of Britain’s greatest boxers’.
Former world champion Amir Khan wrote: ‘Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.’
Chris Eubank Jr said: ‘Rest in peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you.’
Tyson Fury added: ‘Rip to the legend Ricky Hatton may he RIP. Can’t believe this so young.”
And Olympic boxer Anthony Fowler said: ‘Feel sick. RIP Ricky Hatton.’
