By Stephen Topping

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Staff at the gym founded by Ricky Hatton have paid tribute to the star ‘inspired countless individuals’. Ricky launched Hatton Health and Fitness, on Market Street , in Hyde – with the facility officially opened by Muhammad Ali in August 2009. The gym went on to welcome a host of boxing stars for training over the years – including Tyson Fury, David Haye and Audley Harrison. Hatton Health and Fitness joined the Energie Fitness group 10 years later, but still carries the Hattersley-raised boxing hero’s name. Never miss a story with the MEN’s daily Catch Up newsletter – get it in your inbox by signing up here Following the sad news of Ricky’s death on Sunday morning (September 14), Energie Fitness Hyde Ricky Hatton remained closed for the day as a mark of respect. A statement shared on the gym’s Instagram page said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news of Ricky Hatton’s passing. “Ricky was much more than a world-class fighter and an exceptional trainer. He was a remarkable person who inspired countless individuals. “His influence reached far beyond Hyde and the local community, touching the lives of millions around the world. Everyone at the gym is devastated by this loss. “Ricky’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he motivated, mentored, and uplifted. We send our sincere condolences to Ricky’s family, friends and all who knew and loved him.” Speaking in 2016 following the death of Muhammad Ali, Ricky reflected on the time the greatest heavyweight boxer in history visited Tameside for the opening of Hatton Health and Fitness. “It was a dream come true to meet him and that day is one of the proudest moments of my life,” he said. “We took him for a walk around Hyde afterwards and the place came to a standstill. Everywhere you looked there were people pulling over in their cars just so they could get a glimpse of the man.” Ricky was tragically found dead at his home in Gee Cross, Hyde, yesterday morning, aged 46. Greater Manchester Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE Stars from the worlds of sport and entertainment have paid tribute to Ricky since yesterday’s tragic news – from boxing champion Manny Pacquiao to Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher . His brother Matthew also posted a moving tribute last night on social media, sharing a collection of photos of the two boxers together. He wrote: “I love you Richard. See you on the other side X.”