Ricky Hatton’s family has released an emotional statement following the boxer's death.
The sporting world was rocked yesterday (14 September) after it was announced that the 46-year-old had been found dead at his home in Hyde.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a body had been found at the property in Gee Cross early on Sunday morning. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
Tributes have flooded in for the former world champion, who competed professionally from 1997 to 2012 and was set to make his return to the ring in December.
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Hatton's final Instagram posts showed how he was focusing on his fitness ahead of the scheduled middleweight clash with Eisa Al Dah, 46, in Dubai in December.
Fellow fighters such as Tyson Fury and Amir Khan shared their sadness in social media posts, dubbing Hatton a 'legend' and 'one of Britain’s greatest boxers, a friend, a mentor and a warrior'.
Now, the boxer's family have released a statement paying tribute to the Stockport-born star.
Describing the loss of the father-of-three as 'immeasurable', Hatton's loved ones thanked his adoring fans for the 'overwhelming outpouring of love and support' they have received over the last 24 hours.
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A statement from the family said: "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."
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The statement continued: "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.
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"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."
Olivia Burke