Ricky Hatton tributes: Stars pay homage to 'British boxing royalty' after sad death at 46

Stars from the world of sport and entertainment have been paying tribute to boxing great Ricky Hatton, who has tragically died at the age of 46.

Hatton was found at his home in Greater Manchester, with police saying that his death is not being treated as suspicious. The former world champion had been planning a comeback to the ring in December after battles with mental health issues and drug addiction.

Boxing trainer Adam Booth wrote on Twitter : "Truly heartbreaking. Ricky rest your soul in peace my friend. I hope your spirit can now truly feel the love and admiration that has always existed for you!"

Piers Morgan wrote: "RIP Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton, 46. Found dead at his home in Manchester, police say no suspicious circumstances. What incredibly sad news." While former England footballer Michael Owen said: "RIP Ricky Hatton. What a guy. And what a fighter. Incredibly sad news."

City legend Vincent Kompany posted a picture of himself with Hatton and Liam Gallagher, writing: "We’ll miss you Ricky. Our thoughts are with the family and friends. Rest in peace legend."

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Fellow fighter Amir Khan 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."

Hatton won world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight and his all-action style made him one of the most popular fighters in the first decade of the new century.

He rose through amateur and domestic levels to pit his wits against the best boxers of his generation including Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Hatton’s down-to-earth demeanour also endeared him to fans across the world, and he was open about the mental health issues he endured upon his retirement from the ring.

He overcame a fallout with his family and a court case with his former trainer Billy Graham to become a successful trainer, coaching Zhanat Zhakiyanov to a world bantamweight title win in 2017.

Boxing Antony Fowler wrote on Twitter: "Feel sick, RIP Ricky Hatton." Darts legend Phil Taylor added: "Absolutely devastating news about the passing of my mate Hitman Hatton. Thoughts go out to all of his family at this horrible time. RIP my friend."

Chris Eubank Jr wrote, “Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you”, while Turki Al-Sheikh, one of the sport’s most high-profile promoters, said: “I am saddened by the tragic news of Ricky Hatton’s passing at the young age of 46. He was a great fighter and a legend in British boxing.”

Fans have also been paying tribute. Will said “RIP Ricky Hatton, the man that turned a generation of kids in the 2000s into boxing fans. Legend.” Chris Young said: “Sad news about Ricky Hatton. Gave UK boxing fans some great nights throughout his career. Rest In Peace Hitman.”

The highly respected Boxing Magazine Boxing News said. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing royalty Ricky Hatton.

“A relentless pressure fighter and spiteful body puncher in the ring, Hatton was adored for his charisma and down-to-earth character outside of it. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. Rest in peace, Ricky."