Ricky Hatton has been found dead at his home in Tameside at the age of 46.
The Stockport-born boxing legend, often known as The Hitman, had just recently announced he was returning to the ring.
Ricky Hatton was set to come out of retirement for his first competitive fight in 13 long years this December.
A police cordon is around his home on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross, Hyde.
Greater Manchester Police say his death is not being treated as suspicious.
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A GMP spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have found a body at an address on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross at 6.45am today, Sunday, September 14. The death is not being treated as suspicious.”
Ricky Hatton was one of the sport’s best-loved boxers and one of the greatest sportspeople to come out of Greater Manchester.
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Hatton, who held an MBE, had been working as a promoter and trainer since retiring from the sport.
His illustrious boxing career spanned from 1997 to 2012, during which time he held multiple world championships.
Tributes are pouring in, with boxing magazine Boxing News writing: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing royalty Ricky Hatton.
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“A relentless pressure fighter and spiteful body puncher in the ring, Hatton was adored for his charisma and down-to-earth character outside of it.
“He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. Rest in peace, Ricky.”
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing royalty Ricky Hatton.
A relentless pressure fighter and spiteful body puncher in the ring, Hatton was adored for his charisma and down-to-earth character outside of it.
Amir Khan posted: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.
“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.
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“Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”
Sacha Lord shared: “RIP Ricky Hatton. A gentle giant and absolute legend.”
Fellow pro boxer Anthony Fowler wrote: “Feel sick. RIP RICKY HATTON.”
And podcaster James English shared: “RIP Ricky Hatton.
“A true champion inside and outside the ring, Ricky’s grit, passion and courage will never be forgotten.
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“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who admired him during this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, Ricky. Thank you for the memories.”
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons, Aeropixels Photography
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Police appeal after teenage girl reports being sexually assaulted in a Stretford park
Emily Sergeant
An urgent appeal for information has been issued after a teenage girl reported being sexually assaulted in a park in Stretford.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers attended Victoria Park, in the Stretford area, earlier this week on Tuesday night (21 July) following reports that a teenage girl had been sexually assaulted.
The incident is reported to have happened between 5:30pm and 5:44pm, and the offender is described to be an older white male of a large build who was wearing a black t-shirt.
No arrests have been made at this time, GMP confirmed, and enquiries are ongoing.
As police continue their investigation at pace, a public appeal for information has been issued in the hopes that someone can come forward and provide the details needed to track down the offender.
“Detectives are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry and the victim is being fully supported by specially trained officers,” explained Detective Superintendent Suzanne Keenaghan, from GMP’s Trafford district.
“There will be an increased police presence in and around Victoria Park while officers continue their investigation and provide reassurance to the local community.”
Police say they are ‘particularly keen’ to hear from anyone who was in the park at the time, or who may have CCTV, doorbell, mobile phone or dashcam footage from the area.
Anyone with information can speak to police officers at the scene, call 101, or contact GMP via LiveChat at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 3029 of 21/07/26.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
News
Business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues to be slashed by 20% next year
Emily Sergeant
Business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues across England are set to be slashed by 20% next year.
Continuing on with his week of, seemingly, introducing a new measure a day amid the cost of living crisis, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has now announced that he has taken action to cut business rates for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues across England from April next year.
It’s expected that these new business rate cuts will benefit nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs and live music venues, saving the typical pub an estimated £1,100 in the next financial year.
“For too long, the pubs, social clubs, and live music venues that form the backbone of local high streets have been replaced by boarded up windows and for sale signs,” the Government said in a statement as the cuts were announced today.
Andy Burnham is slashing business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues by 20% next year / Credit: John Arano (via Unsplash) | Wikimedia Commons
These changes are set to be fully funded by the Government – including through reviewing reliefs for businesses that do not make a positive contribution to local communities, such as vape shops for example.
The Government says it also plans to crack down on businesses that sell through online marketplaces but do not comply with their tax obligations, which therefore puts them at an unfair advantage over businesses that do play by the rules.
I’m giving thousands of pubs, clubs and music venues a 20% cut in business rates.
I won’t stand by while these cherished local spaces disappear, replaced by boarded-up windows and ‘For Sale’ signs.
They’re the heart of our communities and it’s time we backed them.
“Pubs, clubs and live music venues are at the heart of communities across the UK,” explained Chancellor John Healey. “They help make a place what we love. They bring people together, support local jobs and help keep high streets, and town centres busy, which is why we will back them all the way.
“We are determined to bring hope back, give businesses the support they need and generate growth in every postcode.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham added: “For too long, Governments have stood by while cherished venues have disappeared from our local high streets. So today I am changing that.
“This Government will back the businesses that people want to see in their communities. I said I would protect pubs and local high streets, and that’s what we will do. What we’re announcing today is just the start as we work to bring back hope across the country.”
Daisy Jackson -
14th September 2025 
