Tributes paid to 'modern great' Hatton

FAREWELL TO BOXING GREAT RICKY, FOUND DEAD AT HOME AGED 46

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RICKY Hatton was a 'modern great' who deserves his place among the best of boxing history, according to his former promoter Frank Warren.

Warren, who managed Hatton's career from his professional debut in 1997 up to his historic world title win over Kostya Tszyu in 2005, spoke as news of the 46-year-old's death was confirmed yesterday.

Warren wrote on X: "I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton.

"A superbly talented fighter who inspired a generation of young boxers and fans in a way very few had done before due to both his personality and the entertainment he provided in the ring.

"From making his debut Widnes in 1997 to then go on to win one of the most historic fights in British boxing history against Kostya Tszyu in Manchester, Ricky will rightly go down as one of the modern greats of this sport."

Hatton was discovered at his residence in Hyde, but Greater Manchester Police have stated that they are not treating the death as suspicious.