Amir Khan hit hard by Ricky Hattons death as he | Boxing News

Olympic boxer Amir Khan has spoken of his devastation following the tragic death of his sporting “mentor” Ricky Hatton. The 38-year-old silver-medallist from the 2004 Olympics revealed that the icon had been current at his first skilled battle. He also shared that Hatton, who was discovered useless at his home in Manchester this morning aged 46, attended his 2013 marriage ceremony to magnificence influencer Faryal Makhdoom.

A distraught Khan said he had been deeply affected by the news of Hatton’s premature passing. He told the Mirror: “It’s really, really sad news. It’s shattering hearing the news about Ricky. You just look back and you see how short life is. He was at my first ever professional fight. The first ever deal we did with ITV he was working on that fight with Mario Kindelan. He’s always been a very close friend and he always messages me, we keep in touch. He was at my wedding.”

Khan added: “Honestly we’ve lost a really good man, he was an amazing man, it’s really sad to hear. I hope his family are okay, my thoughts are with them.

“It’s one thing that I never actually anticipated at such a younger age. It’s such a shock of listening to that he’s died, he’s a legend of the game.

“He wasn’t only a professional boxer, he was a friend of mine as well. You could always have a chat with him and laugh with him. It has hit me quite hard because he was very close to me.”

Boxing legend Hatton, who was recognized as The Hitman, received 4 world titles and was awarded an MBE. He had traded blows with some of the best fighters in historical past and had labored as a boxing promoter and coach since retiring from the game.

He also showcased his abilities on the ice, showing on the favored TV show Dancing on Ice last yr. A faithful Oasis fan, Hatton famously had band members Noel and Liam Gallagher accompany him to the ring for a battle in 2008 and later attended their reunion live shows.

Police had been called to a property in Hyde in the early hours of this morning where they found the physique of a 46-year-old man. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed in a assertion: “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.”

In a poignant tribute on Instagram, boxer Khan penned: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.

“As fighters, we inform ourselves we’re strong – we practice, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the toughest battle occurs in silence, in the thoughts. Mental health is not weak spot.

“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 everybody studying this, if you are hurting or struggling, you aren’t alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more gentle, more compassion, more understanding. Rest nicely, Ricky. You’ll always have your house in the ring of our reminiscences.”