'One of the boys!' - Former two-weight world champion pays tribute to late Ricky Hatton who 'meant everything'

Ricky Hatton was "one of the boys" who "meant everything" to British boxing, with Carl Frampton paying tribute to the star ahead of Friday's funeral.

The former two-weight champion, frequently lauded as one of his country's greatest fighters, passed away suddenly last month aged just 46.

Hatton left behind an indelible mark not only on the domestic landscape of the sport, but internationally too, winning global admiration for his feats.

Now, fellow ex-world champion Frampton has offered a touching eulogy for the star, highlighting why he remains an inspiration to peers and protoges.

"He was one of the boys" he exclusively told DAZN News. "He was the people's champion. He was a working-class hero. He was a hero to everybody.

"His win against Kostya Tszyu was maybe the best win ever by a British fighter, against the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world at the time.

"No-one expected him to do it and he did. He used to take 20,000 people to Las Vegas. He was the most approachable sporting icon. He meant everything."

Hatton will be laid to rest following tributes from across the sport, including former rival Manny Pacquiao as well as icons such as Tyson Fury and Amir Khan.

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