Greater Manchester Police confirmed a body had been found at Hatton's address and that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
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 14th. The death is not being treated as suspicious."
News of Hatton's death comes months after he announced his return to boxing with a fight planned for December.
His last professional bout was 13 years ago when he was beaten by Vyacheslav Senchenko in Manchester.
Hatton emerged as one of Britain's most popular boxers and took on fights against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
He had an unblemished 43-0 record until he took on Mayweather in 2007, when he was stopped in the 10th round.
Hatton finished his career with a 45-3 record and held multiple world championship titles, as well as UK titles.
He was named Fighter of the Year in 2015 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2024.
Mental health issues
Hatton's former promoter Frank Warren described the boxer as a "modern great".
"I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton," he said on X.
"A superbly talented fighter who inspired a generation of young boxers and fans in a way very few had done before due to both his personality and the entertainment he provided in the ring."
Britain's former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury paid tribute to Hatton.
"Rip to the legend Ricky Hatton may he rip," Fury posted on Instagram.
"There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton. Can't believe this so young."
Another former world champion, Britain's Amir Khan, described Hatton on X as a "mentor, warrior and one of Britain's greatest boxers".
Khan added: "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."
Matchroom Boxing said: "(We are) saddened to hear the news of Ricky Hatton's passing. Our thoughts and condolences are with Ricky's friends and family at this tragic time. There's only one Ricky Hatton."