David Beckham heartbroken as he shares emotional Ricky Hatton tribute - 'Special in many ways'

David Beckham has joined stars from across the world of sport in paying tribute to Ricky Hatton. It was announced on Sunday that Hatton had been found dead at his home in Greater Manchester.

Greater Manchester Police said they are not treating the death as suspicious. A police spokesperson said: “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.”

The devastating news comes months after the legendary boxer announced his return to boxing with a fight planned in December. And paying tribute to Hatton, Beckham posted two posts on his Instagram story.

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The first read: “Ricky was one of a kind..Just Heartbreaking”, while the second read: “Ricky was special in many ways…Loved by his fans.”

Hatton’s former promoter, Frank Warren, described him as a “modern great” who deserves his place among the best in boxing history. Taking to X, he wrote: “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.”

Amir Khan, another former world champion and a friend of Hatton, wrote on X: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.”

Alongside two pictures of him with Hatton, Tyson Fury wrote on Instagram: “Rip to the legend @rickyhatton may he rip. There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton. can’t believe this so young.”

Former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany posted a picture on X showing himself, Liam Gallagher and Hatton, alongside the words: “We’ll miss you Ricky. Our thoughts are with the family and friends. Rest in piece legend.”

While former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney also shared an image of himself with Hatton on X, and wrote: “Devastated. A legend, a warrior, and a great person. Thoughts are with all Ricky’s family.”