Ricky Hatton's friend shed heartbreaking detail on boxer's final hours before death at 46

Steve Bunce had an emotional reaction live on the radio minutes after the death of close friend and boxing icon Ricky Hatton was announced. The legend was found dead in his Manchester home last month.

The sporting world went into mourning in September when it was revealed that former two-weight world champion Hatton had passed away aged 46. He will be laid to rest on Friday and his funeral will be held at Manchester Cathedral.

BBC pundit Bunce was on air just minutes after it was confirmed Hatton had passed and he delivered a touching tribute to the late fighter. Bunce was asked multiple times whether he wished to stop the broadcast, but carried on whilst being audibly emotional.

"It's an unbelievably shocking piece of news because he was in a really good place. He's had some troubles, Rick. I mean, he's talked about his mental health problems," said Bunce.

"He's talked about his addictions; he's addressed them, faced them and attacked them and solved them. He was preparing for an exhibition fight; like it is for so many fighters, the gym's been his salvation. He was getting his body and his head in a better place.

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"Apparently, talking to people, he didn't show up on Friday at the gym, and he was meant to be at a fight last night, and he didn't show up, and someone went to his house this morning... It is shocking news.

"Had it been 10 years ago, when he talked openly about considering ending his life, had it been 10 years ago when he was in one of the darkest places any man can be, it would have been, I guess, understandable. But at the moment, I'm genuinely shocked by it. I mean, genuinely, I'm amazed by it."

Fans and mourners are encouraged to show their respects by lining the streets leading to Manchester Cathedral on Friday during Hatton's funeral procession.

The route is expected to begin at Cheshire Cheese on Stockport Road in Hyde, passing several historic landmarks of the city. There will be a pause at Harehill Tavern and The New Inn, where doves will be released, followed by a stop at Hatton's gym.

The procession will then pass Hyde Town Hall, Betta Bodies Gym, and the AO Arena before reaching the cathedral. Following a private memorial service, the procession will proceed to the Etihad Stadium, home of Hatton's beloved club Manchester City.

Speaking to last week, Hatton's son Campbell also spoke out about the shock of his father's passing. He said: "We are absolutely heartbroken - it was so unexpected.

"We had so many plans coming up, so it has knocked us for six, but obviously, we are trying to be there for each other. The outpouring of support from absolutely everyone has been amazing, so that's helping us through a lot - but yes, absolutely heartbroken.

"He used to call me his little Mini-Me. We were identical in so many ways, and I think it's shown through how close we were and the banter we had with each other.

"To so many, he was Ricky Hatton the boxer, but to me, he was just my dad, and to the family, it was Richard. We just can't get our heads round it at the minute."