RICKY Hatton’s manager discovered the boxing star’s body after checking on him at home when he didn’t show at a boxing event.
The 46-year-old was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
@SpeakPaulIt has been revealed that Ricky was discovered by his long-term manager Paul Speak[/caption]
PAPaul was concerned after the icon didn’t show to an event on Saturday night[/caption]
Story Picture AgencyBoxing pundit Steve Bunce explained Paul went to Ricky’s home[/caption]
Cops said they were called by a member of the public to attend the scene at 6.45am, where they “found the body of a 46-year-old man.”
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it did not believe there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding Ricky’s death.
And now, it has been revealed that Ricky was discovered by his long-term manager and close pal Paul Speak.
Boxing pundit Steve Bunce explained Paul went to Ricky’s home after he failed to show at an event on Saturday night.
Speaking to 5Live, Bunce said: “On the Saturday night, Ricky hadn’t gone to a boxing show.
“Speaky had found out Sunday morning. Speaky went round and let himself into the house.
“In fact it was Paul Speak who found his great friend and the people’s champion Ricky Hatton.
“Speaky deserves a little bit of love. You can’t even begin to imagine.
“It’s a 25-year relationship they’ve had as his commercial and business manager, but more than that it’s his close friend. It’s his confidant.
“I can’t think of another relationship like it in sport to be perfectly honest. So Speaky was the one that found him.”
Pictures taken on Sunday showed Paul looking visibly upset as he inspected floral tributes left outside Ricky’s home.
Tributes flooded in from all over the world for fan favourite and working class hero Ricky — one of the biggest personalities in boxing.
Former champ Amir Khan, who is from nearby Bolton, credits pal Ricky as being a major inspiration
He said: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.”
The tragedy came just five days after Ricky sent a heartfelt message to a bullying victim — urging the boy to “keep your chin up”.
He told the youngster, called Louie, to keep going to boxing training to gain confidence.
Ricky tells him: “I believe you’ve been having a tough time at school by a couple of bullies. Even I had a bully when I was at school.
“You’ve done the right thing taking up boxing, not to get your own back and beat him up, but boxing gives you confidence, doesn’t it?
“And the minute these bullies see you’ve got a little bit of confidence, they’ll leave you alone.”
Ricky’s death also comes months after he announced his return to boxing with a fight against Eisa Al Dah planned in Dubai in December.
He won world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweight and traded blows with some of history’s greatest fighters.
During a glittering 15-year career, he beat ring greats such as Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo.
He went on to suffer knockout losses to superstars Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009.
He will be remembered as one of the greatest UK fighters of his generation.
Ricky with his mum Carole in 2005News Group Newspapers Ltd
GettyRicky in action during his final professional bout in 2012[/caption]
Ricky’s family shared an emotional tribute
Ricky was awarded an MBE in 2007 and had worked as a boxing promoter and trainer since hanging up his gloves.
The larger than life character also appeared on the TV show Dancing on Ice last year.
Yesterday, Ricky’s family shared a heartbreaking tribute to the boxer.
The touching statement, released through Greater Manchester Police, praised him for having “a heart as big as his smile”.
They 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.”
Ricky Hatton’s biggest boxing wins
By Jack Figg
Paulie Malignaggi, November 2008
In his first fight since splitting with long-time trainer Billy Graham, Hatton dominated Malignaggi in one of his best displays of boxing.
Coached by Floyd Mayweather Sr, Hatton would earn a 2009 fight with Manny Pacquiao, which ended in a horrifying KO loss.
Luis Collazo, June 2007
Hatton dropped the veteran American in the opening seconds of round one and looked on course for a demolition job.
But he was taken to the brink over 12 rounds but held on to victory – earning him a super-fight with Floyd Mayweather six months later.
Kostya Tszyu, June 2005
Russian-born Aussie Tszyu was behind only Floyd Mayweather in the pound-for-pound rankings when he travelled to Manchester.
And Hatton pulled off a career-best win to stop Tszyu in the 11th round of what was a brutal war. He became light-welterweight world champ.
Eamonn Magee, June 2002
Hatton was dropped by the Irishman and looked to be on the brink of defeat.
But he got to his feet and rallied back to win over 12 rounds – showcasing his trademark grit and determination.
Jon Thaxton, October 2000
Hatton had to overcome a nasty cut – not for the first time in his career – to edge out a points win.
It won him the British light-welterweight title.
Ricky won 45 of his 48 fights throughout his stellar career.
He was also a major advocate for boxers’ mental health, and bravely shared his own struggles after his retirement from the sport in 2012.
On top of tributes from fellow boxers, Liam Gallagher also paid an emotional tribute to the star.
The singer marked his passing 17 years after he and brother Noel carried the world champion’s title belts into the ring.
Ricky was flanked by the Manchester legends ahead of his Las Vegas fight with Paulie Malignaggi in 2008.
Liam wrote on X: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about RICKY HATTON.
PARicky won 45 of his 48 fights throughout his stellar career[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialHatton and Robin Johnstone during Dancing on Ice last year[/caption]
Ricky was flanked by the Manchester legends ahead of his Las Vegas fight with Paulie Malignaggi in 2008
“It was an absolute honour to know him and carry his belts.
“RIP CHAMP LIVE FOREVER LG x.”
Manchester City and Manchester United also paid tribute by holding a minute’s applause ahead of their game yesterday.
Both sets of players wore black armbands to honour the legendary boxer, who was a City fan, following his death.
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has said that the city will work to honour Ricky properly, following his death.
Burnham said thought would be given to how the city can best honour his memory.
Paying tribute to the star on X, Burnham wrote that it was “hard to take in” Ricky’s death.
He added: “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.”
ReutersRicky had failed to attend a fight on Saturday night[/caption]
PAPaul Speak discovered Ricky dead at his home[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
