Ricky Hatton described as "warrior" and "greatest ever" as tributes flood in
The 46-year-old former boxing champion was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday (14 September)
Fresh tributes have been paid to former boxing champion Ricky Hatton following his shock death at the age of 46.
Police confirmed Hatton's body was found at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester early on Sunday morning (14 September).
There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Boxing world remembers 'The Hitman'
Manny Pacquiao paid tribute to "a great fighter" and "a brave and kind man" following the death of his former opponent Ricky Hatton.
Pacquiao, whose stunning second-round knockout of 'The Hitman' in Las Vegas in 2009 marked the start of Hatton's decline at elite level, said he felt "blessed to have been part of his wonderful journey".
The Filipino former eight-division world champion posted on Instagram: "I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ricky Hatton. He was not only a great fighter inside the ring but also a brave and kind man in life.
"We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history and I will always honor the respect and sportsmanship he showed. Ricky fought bravely, not just in the ring, but in his journey through life. He truly had a good fight, and we are all blessed to have been part of his wonderful journey.
"My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Hatton family and all his loved ones. May the Lord give you strength and comfort in this difficult time. May he rest in peace."
Hatton's brother Matthew, also a boxer, posted a number of pictures of the two of them together accompanied by the caption: "I love you Richard. See you on the other side X"
Amir Khan, another former world champion and a friend of Hatton, described him as a "mentor, warrior and one of Britain's greatest boxers".
Writing on X, Khan said: "Today we lost not only one of Britain's greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton."
Over recent years Hatton had been open about his struggles with mental health, and 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.
"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."
Manchester unites for derby tribute
Phil Foden and Pep Guardiola dedicated Manchester City's 3-0 derby win over Manchester United to British boxing great Ricky Hatton.
News of the death of former world champion Hatton, who was synonymous with his beloved City, at the age of 46 emerged just a few hours before kick-off.
City said they were "devastated" and a minute's applause was held before the match.
Midfielder Foden scored City's opening goal before Erling Haaland added two more.
Afterwards, when asked if the win was for Hatton, Foden - who like the boxer was born in Stockport - said on Sky Sports: "100 per cent. I had extra motivation going into the game.
"It was for him and his family and for the people suffering right now. The lads gave everything. It wasn't a pretty match but it was all for him."
City boss Guardiola added after the match: "I have been here 10 years and there have been a lot of minutes of silence but I don't remember anything as intense as today.
"Thank you so much to the Man United fans that they behaved and applauded it. I know he was a world champion in boxing and it was a special moment.
"No words can contain the pain the family feel right now for this loss but, of course, we are close. I know how incredible a Man City fan (he was). He would live the bad moments and the good moments of the last 10-15 years.
"I know from the fans how close he was. It was an experience I will always remember because I felt in every applause of every person in the stadium that they felt the gratitude for what he did professionally.
"He was a massive, massive City fan and I feel so sorry for the family."
All sides of the ground were involved in what was a heartfelt tribute for one of Manchester's best-known sportspeople before the game.
"Hatton, an icon of British boxing... was viewed by many as one of the most compelling personalities the sport has ever produced," City's statement read.
It continued: "Hatton wore sky blue shorts and used Blue Moon as his walkout song throughout his career.
"Ricky was one of City's most loved and revered supporters, who will always be remembered for a glittering boxing career that saw him win world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight.
"Everyone at the club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time."
United responded to City's post with the words: "Sending our heartfelt condolences to Ricky's loved ones on the loss of a legend of our city."
Former City captain Vincent Kompany posted a picture on X showing himself, Liam Gallagher and Hatton, alongside the words: "We'll miss you Ricky.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends. Rest in piece legend."
Oasis frontman Gallagher, who carried Hatton's belts into the ring along with brother Noel ahead of his Las Vegas bout with Paulie Malignaggi, wrote on X: "Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Ricky Hatton.
"It was an absolute honour to know him and carry his belts. RIP champ live forever."