MICAH RICHARDS became emotional as he and Roy Keane paid tribute to Ricky Hatton after he died aged 46.
The British boxing legend was found dead at his home in Manchester this morning.
The sporting world has paid tribute to Hatton, who won four world titles and was awarded an MBE.
He was also a huge Manchester City fan, with former Cityzen Richards becoming emotional as he spoke about the boxing great.
Richards said: “The news is devastating. I was taken aback because he’s such an icon.
“British icon, boxing, sports. True Man City fan but most importantly he was a man of the people. He was the nicest man ever.
“He was a deep person. Very deep. He overthought a lot of things. The news is just devastating.
“It’s absolutely ruined my mood for the whole day. He would be here today, celebrating. He’s had a box here many times.
“To get this news now just feels surreal. Someone so young, for this to happen now is devastating.”
Hatton won 45 of his 48 fights and came up against boxing icons in Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
He was known for his tenacious style and never-say-die spirit, with Keane labelling him a “warrior”.
The pundit said: “The guy was a warrior. I think that’s why the fans loved watching him in that ring.
“We know how tough that sport is but my God he gave everything for that sport and I think that’s why the fans loved watching him.
“He had a number of fights in America and thousands would travel over because fans thought so highly of him.
“Absolutely shocking news.”
It comes after Police were called by a member of the public to attend the scene at 6.45am today, where they “found the body of a 46-year-old man.”
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it did not believe there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding Ricky’s death.
The full GMP statement read: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend an address in 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.”
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