Boxing promoter Kellie Maloney has given a sincere tribute to Ricky Hatton, describing him as “one of the genuine” after the tragic news of her death only 46.

Ricky’s body was discovered in his home in Manchester on Sunday morning, and the police confirm that his death is not being treated as a suspect.

Kellie, who promoted Hatton’s fight in 2008 against Juan Lazcano at the Etihad Stadium, recalled how proud Ricky had finally been entering the ring in his beloved football field. She admitted, however, that she felt that something had changed in him. “He won the fight, but it was not the rich of past time. I realized that there was something different. It is really sad that it was such a good icon for the British boxing community and for the British public, but when I needed help, there seemed no one there to help him,” he told The Mirror.

Kellie, famous for driving Lennox Lewis, also revealed the kindness that Ricky showed him during one of the most personal moments of his own life. After undergoing gender reassignment surgery in 2014, Ricky was one of the boxing world that approached. “He sent me a charming message when my story broke, and I always respected myself. Ricky was always one of the genuine.”

Reflecting on their complex family ties, Kellie remembered having spent time with Ricky and his father Ray before fighting. Despite the well -documented ranks about money and a turbulent distancing in 2009, he said that his family will be crushed for his loss. “This will be devastating for their family, although they argued over the years. Like all the families, they had their ups and downs, but sometimes they were also very close. It is a great loss for the world of boxing: it has gone, but they will never forget it.”

The taxes have continued to arrive for the former world champion, who fought against mental health struggles and addictions, but remained one of the most beloved combatants of Great Britain both inside and outside the ring.