Ricky Hatton death sets off BBC boxing commentator during emotional tribute

BBC boxing pundit Steve Bunce reacted emotionally to the death of Ricky Hatton on Radio 5 Live minutes after learning of the news. Hatton, 46, was found dead at his home in Hyde on Sunday morning.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed the discovery of a body and stated that they are not treating the death as suspicious. Bunce spoke at length about the news on the radio from a hotel in Northern Ireland, hours after attending a fight between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan.

During the on-air conversation, presenter Steve Crossman checked multiple times whether he was OK to continue after being audibly emotional on several occasions while paying tribute. "It's an unbelievably shocking piece of news because he was in a really good place," Bunce explained.

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"He's had some troubles, Rick. I mean, he's talked about his mental health problems, he's talked about his addictions; he's addressed them, faced them and attacked them and solved them.

"He was preparing for an exhibition fight; like it is for so many fighters, the gym's been his salvation. He was getting his body and his head in a better place.

"Apparently, talking to people, he didn't show up on Friday at the gym, and he was meant to be at a fight last night, and he didn't show up, and someone went to his house this morning... It is shocking news."

Hatton, who would have celebrated his 47th birthday in October, had been candid about his battles with mental health issues and drug addiction. Hatton had survived suicide attempts and reconciled with his family after addressing his own mental health.

Bunce continued: "Had it been 10 years ago, when he talked openly about considering ending his life, had it been 10 years ago when he was in one of the darkest places any man can be, it would have been, I guess, understandable, but at the moment, I'm genuinely shocked by it. I mean, genuinely, I'm amazed by it."

Other people from the world of boxing have also paid their tributes to Hatton. Britain’s former world heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury paid tribute.

Alongside two pictures of him with Hatton, 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."

British Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell said Hatton was an “inspiration to him” and a “legend in the world of boxing”.

Hatton, who has died at the age of 46, is survived by his children Millie, Fearne and Campbell and granddaughter Lyla.