Ricky Hatton death: Family release statement after legendary British boxer found dead aged 46

Hatton had been preparing for a return to the ring this year, and recently appeared in a video looking sharp ahead of his first bout since 2022.

A fight against the UAE’s Eisa Al Dah had been scheduled to take place in Dubai on 2 December.

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.

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

Ricky Hatton’s friend, and boxing columnist for The Independent, Steve Bunce, spoke to the BBC about the ‘shocking news’ of Hatton’s death on Sunday.

Have a listen to his thoughts below:

Ricky Hatton’s family 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.

“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.

“Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.

“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 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.

“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.”

Ricky Hatton’s family released a statemen about his passing this weekend.

They say Hatton “had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him”.

The statement added: “To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered asone of boxing’s greatest champions – a man who gave everything inside the ringand wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.

“But he remained the samedown-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.”

Boxing promoter Frank Warren said he is “extremely saddened to learn of the passing” of Ricky Hatton.

“A superbly talented fighter who inspired a generation of young boxers and fans in a way very few had done before due to both his personality and the entertainment he provided in the ring,” he said.

“From making his debut Widnes in 1997 to then go on to win one of the most historic fights in British boxing history against Kostya Tszyu in Manchester, Ricky will rightly go down as one of the modern greats of this sport.

“My deepest condolences go out to his family at this awful time.”

The two-weight world champion died at the age of 46 after his body was found in his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday morning (14 September).

Speaking to This Morning on Monday, Eubank Sr said Hatton’s three children should be proud of their father before issuing a plea to boxing promoters and broadcasters.

“We have to find a way to look after fighters when they retire,” he said.

Jason Manford says Ricky was ‘part of the fabric of Manchester’

The comedian and fellow Manchester City fan said he is “gutted” he won’t be bumping into Ricky at football games anymore.

In a tribute on Instagram, he wrote: “Can’t believe he’s gone just before the derby as well – he’ll be fuming about that!

“He was part of the fabric of Manchester. Funny, sharp, always up for a chat with anyone.

“One of those people you were just always glad to see.”

Some of England’s biggest football stars have posted comments in light of Hatton’s death.

“Ricky was one of a kind,” wrote former Manchester United and England midfielder David Beckham on Instagram. “Just heartbreaking.”

Meanwhile, on X, another ex-England and Man United star Wayne Rooney – who carried Hatton’s belts into the ring before a fight with Jose Luis Castillo in 2007 -said he was “devastated” and Hatton was a “a legend, a warrior and a great person”.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham paid tribute to Ricky Hatton, saying the region will “find a way of honouring him properly”.

He wrote in a statement on X: “Hard to take this in.

“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.”