Amir Khan chokes up as he issues emotional tribute to 'people's champion' Ricky Hatton

Numerouscelebrities have paid tribute to Ricky Hatton after news of his death broke on Sunday (14 September), with fellow boxer Amir Khanbeing among those remembering him.

Ricky was sadly found dead at his home in Hyde, Tameside, Greater Manchester, at the age of 46 on Sunday morning. Greater Manchester Police have said they are not treating his death as suspicious.

On Monday morning, Amir appeared on BBC Breakfast to speak about his late friend, describing him as "warm hearted" and a "legend" as he appeared to choke back tears in an emotional moment.

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"When I started my professional career, I think he was a world champion then, and he always used to come down to the gym, give us that advice, help me out. He told me to give him a call if I needed any advice on anything. He was always very supportive in that sense," Amir told hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent via video link.

"Also, he was doing the big fights and that only inspired me. When he was fighting the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, I was at those matches. That was a huge inspiration, the whole of the UK turned out for him."

Amir, speaking from his home in Dubai, went on to speak about Ricky's boxing career and his character, highlighting the "connection" he shared with the late star, reports the Express.

"Like I said, he was a people's champion and what he did in the sport of boxing, not many have. Amir Khan, the British professional boxer, spoke emotionally about his motivation to fight in America, inspired by Ricky Hatton's legendary career.

"Especially going to America, that's what motivated me to go to America and spend a lot of time over there and fight over there as well. In the lights, in Vegas, New York, he did it all. Overall, he was a legend and he'll never be forgot," said Amir.

He fondly recalled their shared moments, saying: "We met at many events, couple of my charity events I have, he was at my wedding as well. Everyone just loved him.

"He didn't walk around with no security, he didn't walk around with no bodyguards. He was just one of the lads, one of the guys who were just from Manchester. And, me being from Bolton, we had that good connection."

Amir praised Ricky for his respectful nature and his willingness to interact with fans. "Like I said, those are the great traits he had.

"He was very respectful. He'd go anywhere. If I called him up and said, 'I've got some kids here Ricky, who want to meet you or speak to you', he'd pick up the phone and have a chat with them. He was so warm hearted," he concluded.

Amir is among the many who have paid tributes to the former professional boxer, with other stars such as Wayne Rooney and Liam Gallagher sharing messages about Ricky following his death.

BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One from 6am.