Ricky Hattons relatives issue heartbreaking new | Boxing News

The household of tragic boxer Ricky Hatton have issued a new assertion to stress that, to their data, he was in “a good place” before he died – despite his “well-documented struggles”. The 46-year-old sports activities star was discovered useless at his home in Hyde on Sunday, with Greater Manchester Police saying his death shouldn’t be being handled as suspicious.

On Monday, his household spoke for the first time after the shock death to reveal their “immeasurable” heartbreak, before thanking followers for their outpouring of love. But on Wednesday, they launched a shock second assertion to put on report their claims that Hatton had been in a “good place” before he died, had been spending time with household and was “excited for the future”.

The message read: “We are all distraught at the events of recent days. To all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place.

“He was excited for the future; his bag was packed prepared to go to Dubai to promote a comeback combat and he was planning a celebration in Dubai of which his beloved women Millie and Fearne had been 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. Richard planned to spend more time in Tenerife.”

The assertion continued: “Richard had spoken to his family and his team in the days and weeks before the weekend.

“He had dinner with his women on Friday evening, and Richard was not alone in life or in the times before the weekend. We are all in shock at the occasions that unfolded over the weekend.

“Richard was found by his friend and long-time manager Paul Speak, who we are supporting at this time along with Richard’s parents, Ray and Carol, his children and the wider family.

“The outpouring of grief and love from the nation and worldwide exhibits how a lot Richard was beloved. It will, in time, be one thing that offers us all some consolation and satisfaction.

“For now, however, we would like to have a period of private and personal mourning. The priority for us all is to ensure the wellbeing and support of Richard’s children and Granddaughter.

“Details of a memorial service will doubtless comply with, but in the meantime we might all be grateful if the privateness of the household and Richard’s reminiscence be revered. It shouldn’t be our intention to make any additional public statements at the moment. WLR Law.”

In the wake of the tragedy, mourners from across the sporting world have paid tribute to the Stockport fighter.

His ex-girlfriend, actress Claire Sweeney – who met Hatton on ITV’s Dancing on Ice last year – has written on Instagram: “I’ve needed a few days to course of the devastating news about my pricey good friend Ricky. My ideas are with his household particularly his youngsters Campbell, Millie, Fearne and Lyla, his granddaughter.

“To them, Speaky (Paul Speak) and to all his friends who loved him so deeply and for so many years I send you my deepest sympathy. Ricky, you were the people’s champ. We adored and cherished you. Love you always.”

And lately, his younger brother Matthew and son Campbell have hailed Hatton as a beloved brother and dad.

On Tuesday night, Campbell wrote on Instagram: “Heartbroken isn’t the word. Everybody has always said I was your double and never a truer word said.

“Looked up to you in every side of life. Can’t clarify how a lot I’m going to miss the laughs we had and all the great instances which I’ll bear in mind without end.

“Just can’t believe we won’t have anymore. Love you dad.”

Campbell is one of three Hatton siblings, with sisters Millie and Fearne being the youngsters of the boxer and his former companion Jennifer Dooley.

Like his father, Campbell was also a promising younger boxer, but retired only two months in the past following emotional tumult after the death of one of his closest pals.

Hatton had himself announced his return to the ring just weeks before his death, with a combat deliberate in Dubai this December. The boxer had beforehand targeted on teaching in latest years.

During his combating profession, Hatton was an aggressive and courageous fighter who held a number of world and UK titles between 1997 and 2012 – including the evening he toppled Russia‘s Kostya Tszyu to go from underdog to boxing sensation in a single day.

Hatton, who was awarded an MBE for companies to sport in 2007, had often spoken of his struggles with mental health and drug habit.

His brother Matthew – himself a boxer who skilled Campbell – posted on X on Wednesday morning: “Huge thankyou to everyone who’s reached out over the last few days it’s very much appreciated & helped greatly.

“Rick lived life at a tempo I’ve never seen he would cram more into a month than some lifetimes, I take consolation & hope he’s discovered the peace that eluded him in life.”

Meanwhile two Manchester United legends have paid their own tributes to Ricky Hatton – as Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes spoke on their new podcast with Paddy McGuinness called ‘The Good, The Bad and The Football.’

Butt said: “We’ve recognized him through the years, since growing up. The connection of him and Manchester in normal is very large. The news was heartbreaking. It actually was.”

While Scholes added: “The quantity of nights I’ve had with him. He was always with his same mates. He never forgot his roots.

“He always lived in the same area. A proper Manchester person, and somebody we were all proud of. You just feel now for his family, two young girls, grandkids, his boy as well. It’s just so sad.”

The chief of Tameside Council has also paid tribute to Hatton, who grew up in Hattersley and lived in Gee Cross, Hyde, at the time of his death.

Cllr Eleanor Wills said he had “inspired countless people” and was “always wanting to give back to the place he called home.”