"He was a remarkable person who inspired countless individuals," - tributes continue to flood in for the late great Ricky Hatton

Tributes have poured in for Tameside boxing icon Ricky Hatton, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 46. 

The Stockport-born star was found dead at his home in Gee Cross, with Greater Manchester Police stating there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. 

Known by many as ‘The Hitman’ but more locally as ‘The Pride of Hyde’, Hatton enjoyed a glittering boxing career, winning 45 of his 48 professional bouts between 1997 and 2012. 

Hatton rose from humble beginnings on Hattersley’s council estate to the very summit of world boxing.  

Despite his rise to stardom, Hatton never strayed from his roots, having spent his entire life in Hyde. 

One of Hatton’s many local pubs, the Cheshire Cheese in Gee Cross, honoured him with a heartfelt tribute, with landlord Tony Cooper taking to Facebook to write: 

"Rick was our friend, to many in the world he was a legend, a hero, a world champion, a celebrity, to us he was Rick, the guy that after Dancing on Ice did his press commitments then turned up in roller boots and 'skated' around the pub. 

"He was Rick who spent his night telling awful dad jokes, he was Rick brought the quietest soul in the pub into the circle so they could walk away saying 'I had a drink with Ricky Hatton tonight'. 

"Rick who I first met on Manchester's Gay Scene 15 years ago when we went to New York New York, he drank in Via we went to Cruz 101 and he never changed in all those years, he loved people no matter what, who or anything else. 

"Today was one of the hardest days I have had to work along with my devastated team but we did it and watched the Blues win for Rick. 

"Our friend we will miss your dad jokes, we will miss the 'one more Guinness for the road but make it a Baby one' we will miss you doing the worm and we most of all will miss you. 

"HM Queen Elizabeth once said 'the price we pay for love is grief'. Today and all of the tomorrows we grieve because we loved you." 

Hatton’s love for his beloved Manchester City could never go unnoticed, with the 2015 Fighter of the Year often sporting the club’s crest on his boxing shorts, as well as walking out to the club’s anthem, Blue Moon. 

Hatton was honoured before Sunday’s Manchester derby - in which the Blues ran out as 3-0 victors – with a minute’s applause ahead of kick-off. 

The club also released a heartfelt statement, which read: 

“Manchester City are devastated to learn Ricky Hatton has passed away, aged 46. 

“Ricky was one of City’s most loved and revered supporters, who will always be remembered for a glittering boxing career that saw him win world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight. 

“Everyone at the Club would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.” 

City boss Pep Guardiola added: 

"I've been 10 years here, there's a lot of minutes silence, I don't remember one so. so, so intense like today," 

"The minute’s applause was unbelievable. It was an experience that I will always remember because they feel, in every applause or every person in the stadium, the gratitude for what he has done professionally and of course being a massive, massive City fan.  

“We are so sad and feel so sorry for the family." 

Hatton’s legacy will continue to live on through his gym, situated in the heart of the community, which he founded in 2009. 

Hatton Health and Fitness was launched on Market Street in Hyde, and was opened by the late great Muhammad Ali. 

The gym joined the Energie Fitness group 10 years later, but still carries the local hero’s name. 

Following Hatton’s passing, a statement on the gym’s Facebook page read: 

"We are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news of Ricky Hatton's passing. 

"Ricky was much more than a world-class fighter and an exceptional trainer. He was a remarkable person who inspired countless individuals. 

"His influence reached far beyond Hyde and the local community, touching the lives of millions around the world. Everyone at the gym is devastated by this loss. 

"Ricky's legacy will live on in the hearts of those he motivated, mentored, and uplifted. We send our sincere condolences to Ricky's family, friends and all who knew and loved him."