Pep Guardiola pays classy tribute to Ricky Hatton as Man City mourn death of boxing legend

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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Ricky Hatton after the boxing legend was found dead on Sunday.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Ricky Hatton

Pep Guardiola led the Manchester City tributes to boxing legend Ricky Hatton after the 46-year-old was found dead at his home on Sunday.

Hatton was a huge City fan and won world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight level. He walked out to his fights to the tune of Blue Moon, while he also donned sky blue shorts.

And Guardiola, speaking ahead of the Manchester derby against Manchester United, offered his condolences to Hatton's family.

"For all the Man City family it was a tough wake up," said Guardiola, speaking to Sky Sports.

"Of course the success, a world champion, a massive fan (of City). But the loss for his family, his kids and he was a grandad.

"On behalf of Man City and all the people I wish them the comfort in these incredibly tough hours, tough days and tough weeks.

"Of course it is a big, big loss for them, for the boxing world because he was a true, true champion and of course for the Man City family."

During his boxing career, Hatton held multiple world titles, as well as UK titles, and was named Fighter of the Year in 2015.

City star Phil Foden also paid tribute to the 46-year-old ahead of kick off.

"My heart obviously goes out to his family at this hard time,” said Foden. “To hear the news just before a big game is devastating, I'm sure he would have been here today supporting us.

"Today is for him and we're going to try and get the win and do the best for him."

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