Pep Guardiola moved to tears as Manchester City and fans pay tribute to Ricky Hatton

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola appeared on the verge of tears as the club and supporters paid tribute to lifelong City fan and former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton before the Manchester derby on Sunday.

A minute's applause was held at the Etihad Stadium and both sides wore black armbands in memory of Hatton, who was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday morning. Greater Manchester Police said officers were called to an address on Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45 a.m., where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. The force said there were not currently believed to be suspicious circumstances.

In a club statement, Manchester City said it was "devastated to learn of the sad passing of City fan and boxing legend Ricky Hatton, aged 46." The statement described Hatton, nicknamed "The Hitman," as "an icon of British boxing" who won world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight and was "viewed by many as one of the most compelling personalities the sport has ever produced." The club confirmed Hatton was well known to staff and had been due to sit at a hospitality table for the match.

Hatton won 45 of 48 professional bouts in a 15-year career that included notable world title victories over Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo. He was widely celebrated for his aggressive, front-foot style and for bringing large travelling followings to major fights, including more than 30,000 supporters who travelled to Las Vegas for his 2007 bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Hatton fought at the Etihad Stadium in 2008 and was known to wear sky-blue shorts and use the song "Blue Moon" for his ring walkouts.

Friends and figures from football and boxing reacted to the news. Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards said the loss was "devastating," calling Hatton "such an icon" and "a man of the people." Roy Keane described him as "a warrior" who "gave everything for that sport." Former player Stan Collymore wrote that Hatton's candidness about his struggles had helped many.

Hatton had announced plans for a dramatic return to the ring, with a fight planned in Dubai in December. After retiring from active competition in 2012, he moved into coaching. He had been awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to sport. Media reports said friends became concerned on Saturday night when Hatton failed to appear at a fight involving one of his boxers, believed to be Jack Murphy, who fought in Bolton.

Hatton is survived by his son, Campbell, two daughters, Millie and Fearne, and a granddaughter, Lyla. His family has not released a statement through the club. Police said the death is not currently being treated as suspicious and inquiries are ongoing.

Hatton had spoken publicly in recent years about battles with mental health and addiction. Following the match-day tribute, Manchester City extended condolences to his family and friends and asked for privacy as they and the wider football and boxing communities mourned.

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