Carl Frampton leads tributes to Ricky Hatton as boxing world is stunned by sudden death of ‘The Hitman’ 

The former two-weight world boxing champion, 46, was found dead at his home on Sunday

Local fighters have paid tributes to Ricky Hatton following the shocking passing of the former world boxing champion, 46.

Nicknamed ‘The Hitman’, Hatton was a former two-weight world champion and one of the most popular and recognisable figures in the sport.

The Stockport-born fighter was found dead at his home on Sunday. Police are not treating his death as suspicious.

The tragic passing has stunned the boxing world and comes only months after he announced his comeback with plans to return to the ring in December.

His 15-year professional career included epic bouts with the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jnr and Manny Pacquiao and an historic win over Kostya Tszyu in Las Vegas.

Many local boxers have taken to social media to pay their respects to a legendary figure in the sport.

Carl Frampton, himself a former two-weight world champion, posted: “I can’t think of a more approachable sporting icon than Ricky.

“His win against Kostya Tszyu is one of the best wins ever by a Brit and he should always be remembered as a working-class hero. RIP.”

Former world champion Ryan Burnett was managed and trained by Hatton and shared a photos of the pair on instagram captioned: “My friend, you’ll be so sorely missed. Love ya mate.”

Belfast boxer Sean McComb added: “Absolutely devastating news. RiIP Hitman Hatton – one of my heroes.”

Former world champion Amir Khan posted: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.

“As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong — we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind. Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other.

“Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible.

“To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding.

“Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”