Carl Frampton – a two-time world boxing champion – hailed Hatton as one of the most “approachable” sportsmen around, with fellow double champ Ryan Burnett – who was previously trained by Hatton – calling the Manchester man his “father figure”.

It comes as tributes poured from the world of boxing following the news, with former world champion boxer Barry McGuigan among those paying tribute to Hatton as a “man of the people”.

Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde. Greater Manchester Police said they are not treating the death as suspicious.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Frampton said his “phone hasn’t stopped” since the news broke.

"I knew Ricky reasonably well. I was around him a good few times,” he said.

“Ricky to me was probably one of the most approachable sporting icons o

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