Ricky Hatton, a former boxing world champion who won 45 of 48 fights, was found dead at his home in Hyde, England, Greater Manchester Police announced.

Manchester, England, native Ricky Hatton (L) went 45-3 during his boxing career. File Photo by Roger Williams/UPI UPI Ricky Hatton last boxed professionally in a 2012 bout with Vyacheslav Senchenko, which he lost. File Photo by Roger Williams/UPI UPI Ricky Hatton (R) fought Manny Pacquiao in 2009. File Photo/UPI Roger Williams UPI Ricky Hatton (R) logged 32 knockouts in 45 career boxing bouts. File Photo by Roger Williams/UPI UPI Ricky Hatton was knocked out three times during his decorated boxing career. File Photo by Roger Williams/UPI UPI

Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Ricky Hatton, a former light-welterweight and welterweight world champion boxer who won 45 of 48 fights, was found dead at his home in Hyde, England, Greater Manchester Police announced. He was 46.

Officers were called to the residence in Hyde at 6:45 a.m. local time Sunday and found Hatton's body. They do not believe there were any suspicious circumstances.

Hatton's family confirmed his death Monday morning.

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard," the Hatton family said in a statement. "Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply 'Richard,' our son. A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many.

"He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humor and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him."

Hatton (45-3) debuted in 1997 and won his first 43 fights. He won his first world championship in June 2005 by defeating Kostya Tszyu for the IBF and The Ring light-welterweight titles.

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He first lost in 2007 to Floyd Mayweather Jr. He also lost his final two fights -- to Manny Pacquiao (2009) and Vyacheslav Senchenko (2012).

"To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing's greatest champions -- a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it," the Hatton family said.

"He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.

"As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support."

The World Boxing Association (WBA) called Hatton -- a light welterweight and welterweight titleholder -- a "legend of the sport."

"With deep sadness, the WBA mourns the passing of Ricky 'The Hitman' Hatton," the WBA said. "A true champion, an indomitable spirit, and a legend of the sport. Your legacy will live on in every fight and in the hearts of boxing fans around the world."

Hatton, who worked as a trainer after the Senchenko loss -- his last fight -- announced in July that he would return to boxing for a bout against Eisa Al Dah on Dec. 2 in Dubai.