Celebs Go Dating star says he was with Ricky Hatton two weeks before tragic death

Celebs Go Dating star Tom Zanetti revealed he was with Ricky Hatton two weeks before he died aged 46. The boxer was found dead at his home in Manchester on Sunday. He became one of Britain's most popular fighters during his career, which peaked in 2005 when he became world champion in his home city of Manchester.

He went on to fight Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, losing both - defeats which plunged him into a deep depression. But he had emerged from his darkness in recent years, returning to the gym to train fighters and speaking openly about his mental health.

The iconic star also appeared on Dancing On Ice last year. Following his death, DJ and TV star Tom took to his page to pay tribute to his pal.

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Along with a selfie taken with the boxer, Tom wrote on his Instagram post: "So horrible, I was with him two weeks ago and speaking on insta just recently. What a nice talented man, a natural comedian and obvs huge legend in boxing.

"So sad, love and strength to Ricky’s family and friends." In the comment section, he added: "We never know what’s round the corner. We have to enjoy every day, take care of ourselves and each other."

Ricky's family recently released a statement regarding his death, saying the former world champion “had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him."

The full statement read: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard. Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son.

"A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many. He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

"To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing ’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it. He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport.

"But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from."

They continued: “As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support. It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.

“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy — both in boxing and as a man — will continue to live on. Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.”

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