The boxing legend was found dead at his Manchester home on Sunday morning
Kerry Katona pictured with Ricky Hatton(Image: Kerry Katona)
Kerry Katona said she is heartbroken reading her last messages from friend Ricky Hatton, who died today aged 46. The 45-year-old Atomic Kitten star posted a heartfelt and emotional tribute to Hatton on her Instagram earlier this afternoon, Sunday.
Hatton was tragically found dead at his home on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross, Hyde in the early hours of this morning. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that a body has been found and said that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Kerry posted a picture of the two of them together with the caption: “Literally have no words, absolutely devastated and heartbroken. Rest in peace my friend, keep reading our last texts and the banter…and just that feeling of helplessness.”
Earlier this year, Kerry was pictured sparring in the ring with former boxer Hatton to help promote her friend Anthony Fowler’s CBD oil company.
Following the session at Hatton’s Manchester gym in April this year, Kerry wrote on Instagram: “In bed at last, makeup is off. We’ve had a very good day today with Ricky and Anthony. Always with our Anthony, love him to bits.
“And had a proper giggle with Ricky, did a bit of boxing, a bit of sparring. I know he was scared, I could see the fear in his eyes.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Tributes have continued to pour in for Hatton since his death was announced earlier today. Hatton’s Dancing On Ince co-stars led the tributes, with radio presenter Adele Roberts describing Hatton as an “amazing man”, while Olympian Greg Rutherford said the news was “utterly heartbreaking”.
Long-term friend Paddy McGuinness said he was the “people’s champion”. Learning about his friend’s death during his BBC Radio 2 show, Paddy said: “Apologies everyone just had to play a couple of songs back to back there.
“I’ve just learned some terrible news that a great mate of mine has passed away, Ricky Hatton. Sending love and thoughts with his family.”
Other tributes have been left from those in the field of boxing including Amir Khan, Tyson Fury and Fowler himself. Footballers including David Beckham and Phil Foden have also commented.
There was a minute’s applause before the Manchester Derby this afternoon. Hatton, a lifelong Manchester City fan, was remembered by the club as “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”.
A police spokesperson said on Sunday: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6.45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”
Hatton, a previous Fighter of the Year in 2015, was planning a return to the ring with a fight planned in December.
Kerry, an Onlyfans star, is currently touring the country with her long-term friend Katie Price with their tell-all show.