The world of sport and entertainment has been left heartbroken following the sudden death of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton at the age of 46.
The former world champion was found at his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday morning.
Police have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his passing.
Liam Gallagher Leads Emotional Tributes
Among the first to share his grief was Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, who had a close friendship with Hatton.
Posting on X, Liam wrote:
“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.”
The connection between the Gallagher brothers and Hatton went back years.
In fact, Liam and Noel famously carried Ricky’s world title belts into the ring before his 2008 fight in Las Vegas against Paulie Malignaggi.
A Boxer Who Lived His Dreams
Hatton himself often spoke proudly about achieving everything he had once hoped for as a boy — becoming a world champion, playing at Manchester City’s stadium in front of tens of thousands, and befriending his music idols Oasis.
“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a boxing world champion, support Man City and listen to Oasis,” Ricky once said. “And I got to do all three.”
Singing Oasis in Tenerife Weeks Before His Passing
Just two weeks before his death, Hatton was seen enjoying himself on holiday in Tenerife.
A video captured him singing Oasis’s “Wonderwall” at an Irish bar in Playa de las Américas.
Holidaymakers recalled him being in high spirits, happily posing for photos and chatting with fans in the lively family venue.
Dancing On Ice Family Remembers Ricky
Many who had worked with Hatton on ITV’s Dancing On Ice also shared heartfelt memories.
Olympian Greg Rutherford said he was “utterly heartbroken,” describing Hatton as kind, supportive, and open about his struggles with mental health.
His skating partner Robin Johnston added, “His kids were everything to him… he was in such good form, excited, and training hard.”
Fellow contestants Amber Davies, Adele Roberts, and judge Oti Mabuse also paid touching tributes, remembering Ricky as warm and fatherly.
Sports and Entertainment Stars Share Their Grief
Tributes poured in from across the sporting world. Football legend David Beckham remembered him as “one of a kind… loved by his fans.”
Actor Ray Winstone said the news felt like “being punched in the stomach,” while Piers Morgan called him the “people’s champion” who had gone far too soon.
TV presenter Paddy McGuinness broke down live on BBC Radio 2 as he dedicated Frank Sinatra’s “Blue Moon” to his close friend, later posting memories of their years together from Las Vegas nights to Soccer Aid.
The Fury Family Pays Tribute
Boxer Tommy Fury expressed his devastation, recalling that Ricky was by his side when he turned professional.
“Heartbroken doesn’t even come close,” he wrote, while his partner Molly-Mae Hague also shared her condolences.
Remembering a Fighter in and out of the Ring
Hatton’s passing comes just weeks after he had announced plans for a dramatic comeback fight this December.
Though known as a fearless fighter in the ring, he had long been open about his battles with depression and addiction after retiring from boxing.
Awarded an MBE in 2007 for his contribution to sport, Ricky Hatton leaves behind not only a decorated career but also a reputation as a true people’s champion — beloved by fans, admired by peers, and remembered by friends as someone who always had time for others.