Ricky Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, northwest England. Greater Manchester Police said they were not treating the death as suspicious.

A police spokesperson said: "Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6.45 am (0545 GMT) today (Sunday) where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”

Hatton won world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight and his aggressive style made him one of the most popular British boxers of his generation.

He rose through amateur and domestic ranks before taking on world-class boxers in Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

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

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