'Live Forever Champ': Liam Gallagher pays tribute to Ricky Hatton

Liam Gallagher has paid tribute to Ricky Hatton following the former world champion boxer's death aged 46.

Liam and his brother Noel famously carried Hatton's world title belts into the ring ahead of his 2008 Las Vegas fight with Paulie Malignaggi in Las Vegas. Hatton later described the moment as one of the highlights of his career.

"Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a boxing world champion, support Man City and listen to Oasis," he said. "But I became a four-time world champion in two weight classes, ended up boxing at the Etihad Stadium in front of 55,000 people, and became mates with Noel and Liam Gallagher over the years."

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And tonight Liam Gallagher, currently in Mexico as the North American leg of the Oasis comeback tour comes to a close, paid tribute to his friend. Writing on X he said: "Absolutely devastated to hear the news about RICKY HATTON it was an absolute honour to know him and carry his belts RIP CHAMP LIVE FOREVER."

Tributes have flowed in from across the world, after news of Hatton's death, at his home in Gee Cross, Tameside, broke this morning.

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Tyson Fury described him as a 'legend', while Amir Khan said that Hatton was a 'friend, a mentor, a warrior'. Tommy Fury also said the world champ had a 'massive part' to play in his own boxing journey.

Celebrities including Olly Murs and Paddy McGuinness have also shared their sadness at the news of Hatton's passing, alongside footballers Phil Foden, Roy Keane and Micah Richards.