The family of British boxing icon Ricky Hatton have spoken of their devastation following his sudden death at the age of 46, describing him as a man “excited for the future” in the days before his passing.
Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday. Police have confirmed his death is not being treated as suspicious.
The news has stunned the sporting world, with tributes pouring in from fans, fighters and friends who revered the Manchester hero for his grit, charisma and unforgettable nights under the lights.
In a moving statement released on Wednesday, Hatton’s family said they believed the former two-weight world champion had been in a “good place” before his death.
The family of British boxing icon Ricky Hatton have spoken of their devastation following his sudden death at the age of 46, describing him as a man “excited for the future” in the days before his passing
|PA
“To all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place,” the statement read.
“He was excited for the future; his bag was packed ready to go to Dubai to promote a comeback fight and he was planning a celebration in Dubai of which his beloved girls Millie and Fearne were to be the centre of.
“He was excited that they would see him fight for the first time in person. He was a doting grandfather and loved spending time with Campbell and Lyla.”
The family revealed Hatton had dinner with his daughters on Friday night and had been in regular contact with relatives and his team in the days leading up to the weekend.
JUST IN: Ricky Hatton's son posts emotional tribute to father after tragic death aged 46
He was discovered by his close friend and long-time manager Paul Speak, who is being supported by the Hatton family.
“The outpouring of grief and love from the nation and worldwide shows how much Richard was loved,” the statement continued.
“It will, in time, be something that gives us all some comfort and pride. For now, we would like a period of private and personal mourning.”
Hatton, who was awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to sport, had announced plans to return to the ring this December in Dubai.
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Mourners have been paying their respects to Ricky Hatton following the tragic death of the British boxing icon
|PA
Friends reportedly became concerned on Saturday when he failed to attend a fight in Bolton involving one of his boxers, after also missing a gym session on Friday.
His son Campbell, who followed him into professional boxing before retiring earlier this year, posted a heartbreaking message on Instagram: “Heartbroken isn’t the word.
"Everybody has always said I was your double and never a truer word said… Can’t explain how much I’m going to miss the laughs we had and all the good times which I will remember forever.
"Love you dad.”
Tributes from across boxing have poured in. Tyson Fury wrote: “RIP to the legend, Ricky Hatton. There will only be one Ricky Hatton.”
Amir Khan added: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior. Mental health isn’t weakness… we must talk about it. We must reach out.”
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Ricky Hatton was a fan favourite and captured world titles in two weight divisions during his boxing career
| GETTYHatton’s family say a memorial service will be announced in due course, asking for privacy as they grieve a man remembered as a fighter in and out of the ring — and one of Britain’s most beloved sporting sons.
According to reports, his £35million fortune will be split between his family.