Ricky Hatton's family have issued an emotional statement after the tragic death of the former world champion, aged 46.
Hatton's body was discovered at his Manchester residence on Sunday morning, with Greater Manchester Police confirming the death was not suspicious.
"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard," the statement read.
"Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many.
Ricky Hatton was found dead in his Greater Manchester home at the age of 46
| GETTY"He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
"To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.
"He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.
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Tributes have poured in for British boxing icon Ricky Hatton | PA"As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.
"It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.
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"At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy — both in boxing and as a man — will continue to live on.
"Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.
"With love and gratitude, The Hatton Family."
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| GETTYThroughout his professional career that spanned 15 years, ending in 2012, the British fighter won titles in the light welterweight and welterweight divisions.
He shared the ring with Jose Luis Castillo, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao during an illustrious career.
Hatton had openly talked about his struggles with mental health and alcohol dependency before his death.
The tragic news came just weeks after Hatton announced he was to return to boxing in a clash with Eisa Al Dah in Dubai this December.
Tributes and flowers have been left outside the former world champion's Manchester home, as the boxing and sporting world mourns the loss of a true icon.
The team at Ricky Hatton's Hyde gym have paid tribute to their local hero who touched the "lives of millions around the world."
A statement from Energie Fitness Hyde Ricky Hatton said: "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."