Ricky Hatton's family pay tribute following former boxing world champion's death

Ricky Hatton’s family say they feel an “immeasurable” sense of loss after his death but have been “deeply moved” by the outpouring of love and support towards him.

Greater Manchester Police said on Sunday the 46-year-old had been found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester. The police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Tributes have been paid across sport and wider society towards Hatton, a former world welterweight champion.

On Monday his family issued a statement via Greater Manchester Police.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard,” the statement began.

“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.

“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.”

Arguably Hatton’s finest moment was his victory over Kostya Tszyu to win the IBF welterweight title at Manchester Arena in June 2005.

He went on to fight other big names in his sport such as Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao. Hatton’s down-to-earth demeanour also endeared him to fans across the world, and he was open about the mental health issues he endured upon his retirement from the ring.

The Hatton family added in their statement: “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.

“It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.

“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.”

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has said the city will give consideration to how best to honour Hatton’s memory properly in the weeks and months ahead.

Burnham said Hatton’s death was “hard to take in” and added: “Ricky was much loved by so many in Greater Manchester. He was the kind of person who would always turn up for people, supporting so many causes.

“He made us smile and made us proud. We will find a way of honouring him properly. Rest in peace, Champ.”

A minute’s applause was held before Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium in memory of Hatton.

City midfielder Phil Foden told Sky Sports before the match: “My heart obviously goes out to his family, at this hard time.

“Obviously to hear the news just before a big game is devastating. I’m sure he would have been here today as well, supporting us. Today is for him and we’re going to try to get the win and do the best we can for him.”

Others paying tribute on social media include Amir Kahn, Wayne Rooney, Jamie Carragher, comedian Jason Manford, and Oasis singer Liam Gallagher.