Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 46.

A police spokesperson said Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, northwest England. Officers said they were not treating the death as suspicious.

Nicknamed "The Hitman", Hatton's career included world titles in two weight classes - light-welterweight and welterweight.

His aggressive style made him one of the most popular British boxers of his generation.

Punching his way through amateur and domestic ranks, Hatton went on to face other world-class boxers including Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao.

Hatton, who won 45 of his 48 professional bouts across an esteemed 15-year career, last fought professionally in 2012.

He was frank about the mental health problems he endured following his retirement from the ring.

In 2023 he became an ambassador for the mental health charity, Campaign Against Living Miserably.

In July, Hatton announced he would make a return to boxing in a professional bout against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai in December.

Britain's former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury paid tribute to Hatton.

"Rip to the legend Ricky Hatton may he rip," Fury posted on Instagram.

"There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton. Can't believe this so young."

Another former world champion, Britain's Amir Khan, described Hatton on X as a "mentor, warrior and one of Britain's greatest boxers". (AFP)