A police statement has confirmed when officers found the body of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton. News broke just after lunchtime on Sunday that Hatton had tragically died at the age of 46.

The Hitman, who last fought professionally in 2012, had been training ahead of his return to the ring in December. Hatton was also due to attend Sunday's Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium, home of his beloved Man City.

A passionate City supporter, Hatton had a table booked in hospitality. Pep Guardiola's side host Manchester United in the Premier League at 4:30pm, prior to which there will now be a minute's applause.

The fighter, whose record stood at 45 wins and three losses, was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester. In a statement, police confirmed that his death was not being treated as suspicious.

"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," it read. "There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances."

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Tributes have poured in, with Hatton renowned as one of Britain's most revered boxers. His down-to-Earth personality combined with his exciting style of fighting made him a hero both locally and nationally.

Tyson Fury posted on Instagram: Rip to the legend @rickyhatton may he rip. There will only ever be 1 Ricky hatton. can't believe this so young." Frank Bruno wrote on X: "What can I say I'm absolutely devastated. RIP My friend."

Amir Khan shared a heartfelt tribute to Hatton, who spoke candidly about his mental health issues. "Today we lost not only one of Britain's greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton," Khan, who also hails from Greater Manchester, began.

"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."

Promoter Frank Warren added: "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."

He is survived by his three children; son Campbell, and daughters Fearne Grace and Millie.