Ricky Hatton was a “state-of-the-art great”, who deserves his place among the best boxing stories, said his former promoter Frank Warren.
Warren, who managed Hatton’s career after his professional debut in 1997, until his historical victory in the title of world champion over Kostya Tyu in 2005, the tribute to the British boxing legend after his death at the age of 46 was confirmed.
Warren wrote on X: “I am very sorrowful when I learned about the death of the British boxing legend Ricky Hatton.
“A perfectly talented warrior who inspired the generation of juvenile boxers and fans in a way in which very few did before because of his personality and entertainment he assured in the ring.
“Since his debut Widnes in 1997, and then won one of the most historical fights in the British history of boxing against Kostya Tyu in Manchester, Ricky will rightly fall as one of the contemporary great sport of this sport.”
Amir Khan, another former world champion and friend of Hatton, described him as “a mentor, warrior and one of the greatest British boxers.”
Writing on X, Khan said: “Today we lost not only one of the greatest British boxers, but a friend, mentor, warrior, Ricky Hatton.”
In recent years, Hatton has been open about his struggles with mental health, and Khan added: “As fighters, we say that we are forceful – we train, we are kissing, we do hits, get up. But sometimes the most complex fight happens in silence, in the mind.
“Mental health is not a weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must contact us. We have to resist ourselves.
“Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, moments of glory, grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing what is possible.
“For everyone who reads this: if it hurts or fight, you are not alone. Talk. Repend your hand. Because we need more lithe, greater compassion, better understanding.
“Rest well, Ricky. You will always have your place in the ring of our memories.”
Former world champion in British heavyweight, Tyson Fury, paid tribute.
Together with his two photos with Hatton, Fury wrote on Instagram: “Rip to the legend @rickyhatton maybe Rip.
Chris Eubank Jr. He wrote: “Rest in the room Mr. Ricky Hatton. We salt you”, while Turki Al-Sheikh, one of the most notable promoters in sport, said: “I am saddened by the tragic news about the death of Ricky Hatton at a juvenile age of 46.
“He was a great warrior and legend in British boxing.”
Boxing Matchroom said: “[We are] Speed by hearing the news of Ricky Hatton’s death. Our thoughts and condolences are with Ricky’s friends and family in this tragic time. There is only one Ricky Hatton. “
Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell said Hatton was “an inspiration for him” and “Legend in the world of boxing.”
Hatton was synonymous with his beloved city of Manchester, and the news about his death was ahead of Manchester Derby.
– Hatton to remember before Manchester Derby
Speaking at Sky Sports, the former defender and broadcaster Micah Richards said: “The message is destructive. He is such a British icon … a fan of True Man City, but most importantly, he was a man of the people.
“He was the nicest guy in history – I remember when I went to one of his gym and I was a bit nervous because I didn’t know about boxing and he said” just do it “and he didn’t hurry.
“To spend some time and effort, I have been to beers many times, just talking about football and life. To get this message, it’s just surreal.”
