TRIBUTES have been paid to “amazing” and “caring” British boxing legend Ricky Hatton who visited the Island on multiple occasions.
The 46-year-old former world-champion was found dead in his home in Hyde on Sunday.
Manchester police yesterday said that “there are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances”.
Mr Hatton, also known as ‘the Hitman’, secured 45 wins – including 32 by knockout – across a 15-year professional career that saw him enter the ring against some of the biggest names in the sport.
Islander Ben Murray, founder and owner of Boxinbusiness, recalled when the world-renowned fighter came over in 2014 for a boxing workshop and Q&A.
Mr Murray also noted that, during his time as an amateur, he spent a week training at Mr Hatton’s gym in Manchester.
“They were brilliant with me – and then having Ricky over to do the workshop and the Q&A was just a dream come true,” he said.
“He always had time for everyone and was a genuinely funny, nice, caring person.
“They say never meet your heroes, but that’s not true in this case – he was amazing every time I met him.
“He will be sorely missed in the boxing world.”
With his easygoing nature and crowd-pleasing fight style, Hatton was regularly followed by a sea of loyal fans to his bouts both at home and abroad.
