Tragic boxing ace Ricky Hatton: family pay tribute
The family of boxing superstar Ricky Hatton have paid tribute to him following his death at the weekend.
A statement was issued through Greater Manchester Police today (Monday, September 15) after officers made the grim discovery of the 46-year-old’s body at an address in Hyde yesterday morning.
His family say it has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives the former world champion – who made star appearances in Wigan on several occasions – had touched.
The tributes reads: “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.
"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.
"With love and gratitude,
"The Hatton Family.”
Ricky had always been very vocal about his problems with mental health, drink and drugs issues and had often been at the forefront of campaigns to get people battling such demons to share these problems rather than bottle them up.
The 46-year-old had been training for a return to the ring in a few weeks’ time.
He visited Wigan on several occasions, to promote fights, attend charity events and, on one occasion, rub shoulders with the Wigan Warriors.
There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.