Boxing promoter Frank Warren delivered a heartfelt tribute to Ricky Hatton during an appearance on GB News, identifying the fighter's 2005 victory against Kostya Tszyu as the crowning achievement of his career.

Speaking with presenter Dawn Neesom following news of the 46-year-old boxer's death at his Manchester residence, Mr Warren expressed deep sorrow while offering condolences to Hatton's family and the boxing community.

"It's just tragic and dreadful news," Mr Warren told the People's Channel, describing the loss as "awful" and emphasising Mr Hatton's youth at just 46 years old.

Mr Warren highlighted the significance of Mr Hatton's triumph over Mr Tszyu in Manchester, where the British fighter entered as a significant underdog against the world's then-top pound-for-pound boxer.

Ricky Hatton's former manager paid an emotional tribute

"It was a scintillating performance. It was a brilliant performance," Mr Warren recalled of what he considered the apex of Mr Hatton's boxing achievements.

Mr Warren reminisced about discovering Mr Hatton as a teenager and witnessing his remarkable rise to international stardom.

"I remember when I signed him when he was 18, and in making his debut, I remember he sold at that time three or five tickets for his first fight, and eventually went off to fight in Vegas and took 30,000 Brits with him to watch him," the promoter revealed.

This extraordinary transformation from a young prospect selling handful of tickets to a superstar drawing tens of thousands of British supporters to Las Vegas exemplified Mr Hatton's unique appeal.

Mr Warren emphasised that this magnetic connection with fans remained constant throughout their professional relationship, which lasted until the fighter achieved what Mr Warren regarded as his greatest sporting moment against Mr Tszyu.

Mr Warren characterised Mr Hatton as more than merely a boxing champion, emphasising his status as an icon across British sport.

"He was a British sporting icon, not just a boxing icon, a sporting icon," he stated, adding that Mr Hatton embodied the qualities of "a man of the people."

The promoter stressed that fame never altered Mr Hatton's authentic personality or his connection with ordinary fans.

Frank Warren joined Dawn Neesom on GB News to reflect on his memories of the boxing icon

"What you see is what you got with Ricky. A lovely, lovely bloke," Mr Warren said, highlighting the fighter's consistency of character throughout his career.

Mr Warren described how Mr Hatton maintained his down-to-earth nature despite achieving international success, remaining true to his roots and accessible to supporters who adored him for his genuine demeanour.

Mr Warren elaborated on Mr Hatton's distinctive approach in the ring and his extraordinary rapport with supporters.

"He was accessible. He was a fan's friend... he was just well loved. He was a really well-loved boxer," Mr Warren explained, noting how audiences consistently gave Hatton the loudest reception at boxing events after his retirement.

Hatton had spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and drug addiction | GETTY

The promoter recalled the iconic chant that followed Hatton throughout his career: "there's only one Ricky Hatton," which Mr Warren affirmed as "the truth."

Mr Warren praised Mr Hatton's relentless fighting style, describing it as "pure, pure action, non-stop from round one till eventually stopped."

The veteran promoter emphasised that Mr Hatton's performances consistently showcased "non-stop action, commitment, skills, bravery, everything," qualities that endeared him to boxing enthusiasts across Britain and beyond.

Mr Warren concluded by offering his assessment of how Hatton would be remembered in British boxing history.

"One of the greatest, most popular British boxers of all time, certainly in modern days," Mr Warren stated when asked about Mr Hatton's enduring legacy.

The promoter emphasised the extraordinary affection Mr Hatton inspired among boxing enthusiasts, describing him as "unbelievably loved" by supporters who appreciated his total commitment inside the ring.

Mr Warren noted that whilst Mr Hatton possessed remarkable charisma outside boxing, his true essence emerged during fights where spectators witnessed his complete dedication to the sport.

"He was one of the amazing characters outside the ring, but in the ring, where he came a lot, where he did show what he was all about," Mr Warren reflected, cementing Mr Hatton's position among Britain's most cherished sporting figures.