Tributes paid to Hatton from across world of boxing after ex-champion dies aged 46

Tributes have been paid to the former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton, who was found dead at his home yesterday at the age of 46.

- Josh Halliday

Hatton, known throughout his career as "the Hitman", was one of the top British fighters of his generation and won several world titles. He retired in 2012 and went on to speak openly about his struggles with depression and alcohol.

Greater Manchester police said they were not treating his death at his home in Hyde as suspicious.

Tributes from the boxing world and beyond were paid to the Stockport-born Hatton, who was training for his first bout in 13 years - an exhibition in Dubai planned for December.

The former world champion Amir Khan said Hatton was "one of Britain's greatest boxers" and also a friend, a mentor and "a warrior".

"As fighters, we tell ourselves we're strong - we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up," he said.

"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."