Ricky Hatton’s manager found the beloved boxer’s body after going to check on him when he didn’t show up for a boxing event on Saturday.
The 46-year-old was found dead in his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday morning.
Police were called to the property at 6:45am by a member of the public, where they “found the body of a 46-year-old man.”
It has now been revealed that Hatton’s manager, Paul Speak, was the one to discover his body.
Steve Bunce revealed Paul Speak was the one who found the beloved boxing star
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Boxing pundit Steve Bunce revealed that Speak had gone to Hatton’s home after he failed to show for an event on Saturday night.
He revealed: “On the Saturday night, Ricky hadn't gone to a boxing show. Speaky had found out Sunday morning. Speaky went round and let himself into the house.
"In fact it was Paul Speak who found his great friend and the people's champion Ricky Hatton.
"Speaky deserves a little bit of love. You can't even begin to imagine.
"It's a 25-year relationship they've had as his commercial and business manager, but more than that it's his close friend. It's his confidant.
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"I can't think of another relationship like it in sport to be perfectly honest. So Speaky was the one that found him."
Speak was seen at Hatton’s house on Sunday, looking visibly upset as he looked at all of the tributes laid outside the beloved boxer’s house.
Tributes have been pouring in from all over the sporting world as fans and competitors alike show their respect for one of the greatest British fighters to step into the ring.
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Paul Speak spent time reading all the tribute's outside Ricky Hatton's home
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Former champion Amir Khan, who comes from Bolton, revealed Hatton was a major inspiration for his own career in a heartfelt tribute.
In his tribute, he said: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.”
Hatton’s family also released a heartbreaking tribute to Hatton, it read: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard.
“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.
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“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.
“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.
Ricky Hatton won world championships across two weight classes
| PA“It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.
“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.”