Ricky Hatton dies aged 46: Tributes being paid to former boxing world champion

Thanks for following our live coverage following the death of Ricky Hatton.

Scroll back through the blog to catch up on all the tributes left for one of boxing's most iconic figures.

Former professional boxer Barry McGuigan says the "swashbuckling" fighting style of Ricky Hatton was a throwback to the early days of the sport.

"He fought at a ferocious pace," he tells presenter Jonathan Samuels.

"He was a great body puncher and just swarmed all over you and took you out of there. 

"He was a real throwback to the swashbuckling days of the 1930s and 1940s. He was just so great to watch and so entertaining, such an enthralling style."

He added: "He was a phenomenal attraction, both inside and outside the ring."

Watch the full interview with McGuigan below.

More legends from the combat sports world have shared their tributes to Ricky Hatton.

Paul Malignaggi, who took on and lost against Hatton in a legendary 2008 bout in Nevada, said he last spoke to "The Hitman" a few months ago and said he seemed "in great spirits".

"Extremely sad. Sending condolences to all his family and loved ones."

American world champion boxer Danny Garcia shared an image of himself with Hatton on X.

Garcia fought on the undercard of Hatton's title fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr in Las Vegas in 2007.

Marco Antonio Barrera, who fought Hatton in an unscored exhibition bout in 2022, said the boxer "was a once in a lifetime man" and was his "closest friend in boxing".

"I am eternally grateful I got to share the ring with him. May he rest in peace, he will be missed deeply."

Tom Aspinall, the Salford-born UFC heavyweight champion, said today is a "sad day for Manchester".

He said: "I remember as a young boy staying up late to watch his legendary career. The original people's champion, one of us."

Two-time boxing Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams called Hatton a "true legend in and out of the ring".

"It was a pleasure being with you only a couple months ago," she said.

Manchester City goalscorer Phil Foden has dedicated his side's 3-0 derby win over Manchester United today to lifelong City fan Ricky Hatton.

The England midfielder opened the scoring after 18 minutes at the Etihad Stadium, before Erling Haaland netted twice more after the break.

"100%, I had extra motivation," Foden said after the match.

"It was for him and his family. It was all for him and we are delighted with the result."

Before kick-off, a one-minute applause was held in the stadium in Hatton's memory. Scroll back to watch that moment in our 16.29 post.

A close friend of Ricky Hatton has paid an emotional tribute to the late boxer after his death.

Tris Dixon is the former editor of Boxing News and was the ghostwriter for Hatton's bestselling autobiography, War and Peace.

The two go back 25 years and Dixon was by Hatton's side as he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2024.

Speaking to presenter Jonathan Samuels, Dixon said Hatton was so loved by the general public because he was "their everyday boxer".

"Everyone related to him. Everyone knew what he was like, and he was approachable. He was their every day boxer, you know, and, everyone related to him, and he had time for everybody."

He adds: "I take a bit of comfort from social media and seeing the outpouring of love, seeing the tributes for him. I just hope he knows how much he was adored by the British public."

"So many people on this planet come and go," he says.

"But just like the song says, there'll only be one Ricky Hatton."

Watch the full interview with Dixon below.

Comedian Paddy McGuinness paid emotional tribute to his friend Ricky Hatton, as he announced news of the boxer's death live on air during his BBC Radio 2 show today.

After not being heard for a number of minutes, an audibly shaken McGuinness told listeners: "I had to play a couple of songs back-to-back there; I've just learned terrible news that a great mate of mine has passed away - Ricky Hatton."

The presenter then paid a short tribute to the boxer and his family, before playing Frank Sinatra's Blue Moon in dedication - a reference to Hatton's favourite football team, Manchester City.

McGuinness later shared photos of Hatton and himself on Instagram. 

He wrote: "I've had some great times with Ricky over the years. From being out in Vegas to the streets of Manchester, he always had time for everyone."

Paste BN has spoken to a boxing correspondent who shared a close friendship with Ricky Hatton throughout his career.

Gareth Davies of The Telegraph recalls several memorable nights spend with Hatton in Las Vegas and in bars drinking Guinness with him after his bouts.

He told presenter Darren McAffrey: "The thing is about Ricky, I think when you heard it, you felt like you'd lost a best friend because that's how he made everyone who was friends with him feel. I've shed a few tears this morning."

Asked where Hatton ranks among the list of great British boxers, Davies said: "Right up there. Certainly the most popular ever.

"Without the fact he won world titles in two weight divisions, he's in the top five or top ten British boxers of all time, in my view."

He added: He was a brilliant boxer, a great body fighter, a body puncher. He was known as the 'Manchester Mexican' at one time.

"Genuinely, genuinely, he was the people's champion. And that's what Ricky will always be remembered as. 

"You can hear his laughter when you think of him. And, God, we're going to miss him so much."

Watch the full interview with Davies below.

 We've had floods of tributes to Ricky Hatton sent in by you already today.

Here's a selection of your comments:

Ricky's performance to win the world title against Kostya Tszyu is one of THE greatest performances by a British fighter of all time. The man's guts had guts. Never ducked anyone, a warrior. R.I.P.
Gordy

There's only one Ricky Hatton. Echoing through the states during the Mayweather fight, you sent shivers to the Americans. You kept us awake through early mornings and put British boxers on the map .Going to miss you 💔
Asher

Followed you as a young man watching all your fights. Thanks for all the wonderful memories Mr Hatton, you will be missed.
Clinton

He was a massive city fan. It was amazing to see him supporting the blues. Every time I was at a match, he was there. He will be missed
Jay

This man was the heart and soul of Manchester. Also so sad that today is derby day. RIP 'Hitman' and thoughts with his family and friends 🩵⚽️
Mandy MCFC

Never forget all the boxing highlights and lows of this man's epic journey through life in and out of the ring. An inspiration to so many people. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and children at this sad time.
Evzie

"You only had to see and listen to the legion of fans that followed Hatton to get a sense of how much he meant to people."

Here, Sky's sports correspondent Rob Harris looks back at the legendary boxing career of Ricky Hatton.

Tributes to Ricky Hatton are still coming in from the world of sport.

Former England football captain David Beckham shared several images of Hatton on Instagram, calling the boxer "one of a kind".

"Ricky was special in many ways... loved by his fans," he wrote.

Cricket star Freddie Flintoff shared an image of Hatton in the ring on his social media, writing the word "legend" alongside a broken heart emoji.

Legendary snooker player Jimmy White said he was "gutted to hear about Ricky Hatton - a legend and top man".

Former professional darts star Phil Taylor called the news of Hatton's death "absolutely devastating".

Ahead of the Manchester derby, former City defender Micah Richards and United midfielder Roy Keane shared their tributes to Hatton.

"The guy was a warrior, that's why fans loved to watch him in the ring. He gave everything to that sport," Keane said.

"They thought so highly of him and he left everything in the ring. Absolutely shocking news."

Referring to today's Manchester derby, Richards said Hatton "would have been here today, he's had a box here many times, and to get this news now it just feels surreal."

Former City captain Vincent Kompany shared an image of him on X alongside Hatton and Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher.