Ricky Hattons family break silence after boxing | Boxing News

Ricky Hatton’s family issued a heart-wrenching assertion to pay tribute to the boxer. The family of the 46-year-old, who was discovered useless at his home in Greater Manchester, said he “had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him”. 

Paying tribute to “one of boxing’s biggest champions” the boxer’s family praised Ricky for inspiring “generations with his fighting spirit”. The family assertion, issued by the police on Monday, 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. He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.”

Asking for privateness his family say they’ve been “deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support” for the previous world champion. 

The family assertion continued: “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.

“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.”

Ricky’s brother Matthew, who is also a boxer, posted a collection of pictures of them together and wrote: “I love you Richard. See you on the other side”.

The iconic fighter competed between 1997 and 2012 before working as a promoter and coach. He received a complete of six world titles across three weight divisions and might be remembered as one of the best British fighters of his technology.

Greater Manchester Police have said they aren’t treating Ricky’s death as suspicious.

A spokesperson said: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6.45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man.

“There aren’t at present believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”

The Brit had been due to make a comeback to the ring in December. Ricky is survived by his youngsters Millie, Fearne and Campbell and granddaughter Lyla.