Tributes from the world of sport and beyond are flooding in for Ricky Hatton after his death aged 46.
The boxing legend was found dead at his Manchester home and his passing is not being treated as suspicious by police.
The tragic news has prompted an outpouring of emotion, with many offering their thoughts on Hatton, the much-loved Stockport fighter who became a world champion.
Tyson Fury, who had a close friendship with Hatton and battled similar demons to his fellow boxing superstar, expressed his disbelief.
The ‘Gypsy King’ took to Instagram and wrote: ‘RIP to the legend, Ricky Hatton. There will only be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this, so young.’
Alongside his caption was an image of Hatton and Fury in the gym with their shirts off during a period when Fury had also been suffering from depression and had ballooned in weight.
Boxing legend Ricky Hatton has died aged 46 and tributes flooded in for the Brit
Tyson Fury (left and right) shared these photos when expressing his disbelief at the tragic news
Amir Khan took to X to send a message about mental health and called Hatton ‘one of Britain’s greatest’.
He wrote: ‘Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton. 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.
‘To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding. Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.’
Sky Sports pundits Micah Richards and Roy Keane were asked for their thoughts having only heard the news shortly before coming on air to broadcast live.
Richards said: ‘The news is devastating, we obviously only got it half an hour ago. I was taken aback to be honest because he is such an icon. British icon, boxing, sports, a true Man City fan but most importantly he was a man of the people.
‘He was the nicest guy ever, I remember going down to one of his gyms and I was a bit nervous because I didn’t really know about boxing. This was before the takeover when Man City weren’t what they are now. For him to take the time and effort… I’ve been multiple times for beers with him just talking about football and life.
‘He was a deep person and the news is just absolutely devastating, it’s just absolutely ruined my mood for the whole day. He’d be here today (The Etihad) celebrating, he’s had a box here many times and to get this news now just feels surreal. Someone so young, for this to happen now, it’s just devastating.’
Keane added: ‘The guy was an absolute warrior and I think that’s why the fans loved watching him in that ring. We know how tough that sport is. My God, he gave everything for that sport and that’s why the fans loved following him. He had a number of fights in America and thousands would travel over because they thought so highly of him.’
Piers Morgan reacted by writing: ‘RIP Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton, 46. Found dead at his home in Manchester, police say no suspicious circumstances. What incredibly sad news.’
Roy Keane described Hatton as a ‘warrior’ when reacting to news of his death on Sky Sports
Hatton is pictured with promoters Dennis Hobson (left) and Don King (right)
Daily Mail Sport understands that friends were initially concerned last night, when Hatton failed to appear at an event featuring one of his boxers.
And news then broke on Sunday morning, with the boxing fraternity in particular shaken to the core.
Frank Warren, the veteran promoter, took to X and wrote: ‘I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton.
‘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.
‘From making his debut Widnes in 1997 to then go on to win one of the most historic fights in British boxing history against Kostya Tszyu in Manchester, Ricky will rightly go down as one of the modern greats of this sport. My deepest condolences go out to his family at this awful time.’
Professional boxer and former Olympian Anthony Fowler said he ‘felt sick’ at hearing the tragic news.
Billy Joe Saunders also shared his thoughts, writing: ‘RIP champ. Some great advice over the years I’ve taken from him, thoughts and prayers are with the family.’
Former UFC star, now boxer, Darren Till shared: ‘Very sad to hear the news of Ricky Hatton not being with us anymore. One of the best to do it. Inspired a generation. Thoughts are with his family.’
Beyond the boxing world, many stars of other sports weighed in with their own tributes.
James Wade, the world No 5 darts player, shared a number of pictures of himself with Hatton down the years.
He wrote: ‘It is with great sadness to hear the news a dear friend has passed. Ricky Hatton is a great friends and legendary boxer! Our thoughts and love are with your family and friends during this difficult time.
Micah Richards said he had shared beers with Hatton, who was a ‘deep thinker’
Hatton inspired a generation with his swashbuckling style and was a ‘man of the people’
‘The world was a better place with you in it. A true legend has been lost. Rest in peace Ricky.’
After retiring from the ring, he had moved into coaching but was due to return to the sport with a fight planned in December.
Hatton, who was awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2007, had often spoken of his struggles with mental health and drug addiction.
A huge Manchester City supporter, he was due to be at the Etihad Stadium for this afternoon’s derby with United, and had a table in a corporate hospitality area.
It is understood that there will now be a minute’s silence held for him on what will now be a far more sombre atmosphere after the city lost a favourite son.
