Ricky Hatton, former world champ and Pacquiao opponent, dead at 46

September 15 ------ RICKY 'The Hitman' Hatton, a former world boxing champion and one of the great opponents that Manny Pacquiao beat in his Hall of Fame career, was found dead in his home in England. He was 46. Greater Manchester police confirmed in a statement that a body was found at the former world champion's home by officers who responded to a call 'by a member of the public.' The death was not being treated as suspicious, police added.

"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. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances," the statement read. Hatton held world titles in the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions and was hailed as the Fighter of the Year in 2015 by The Ring magazine. However, the Briton's career took a sharp downturn when he lost for the first time in his pro career at the hands of Floyd Mayweather in 2007 and to Pacquiao by knockout in the second round on May 2, 2009.

The devastating loss to Pacquiao was hailed as the Knockout of the Year by The Ring. At the time of his death, Hatton had announced a boxing comeback penciled for December. He had talked openly about his mental issues and had survived suicide attempts as well as a fallout with his family. He finished his career with 45 wins, 32 by knockout, against 3 losses.

Tributes were quick to pour in when news of his untimely death spread, with fellow boxers like Tyson Fury and Amir Khan paying homage to one of the most exciting fighters of his generation.

Source: spin.ph