Ricky Hatton’s family have paid tribute to the boxer following his death.
The tribute, released through Greater Manchester Police, comes after the champion boxer was found dead at his home yesterday at the age of 46.
PARicky Hatton was found dead at his home yesterday, aged 46[/caption]
XRicky’s family have paid an emotional tribute[/caption]
Ricky with his mum Carole in 2005News Group Newspapers Ltd
Ricky’s heartbroken family praised him for having “a heart as big as his smile” in a touching message.
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.”
Tributes poured in from across the sporting world after the news of Ricky’s death spread.
Fellow world champion boxer Amir Khan praised Ricky – nicknamed “The Hitman” – as “a friend, a mentor, a warrior”.
Ricky’s family 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.”
Ricky won 45 of his 48 fights throughout his stellar career.
He was also a major advocate for boxer’s mental health, and bravely shared his own struggles after his retirement from the sport in 2012.
Ricky’s family said: “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’s death came just months before he was due to have his comeback fight.
The legendary boxer, who retired from the sport in 2012, announced in July he would stage his comeback against Eisa Aldah in Dubai in December.
BOXING WORLD MOURNS LOSS
Ricky was found dead at his home yesterday after pals called police when they had been unable to contact him.
It is understood friends were initially worried after The Hitman missed a gym session on Friday and did not show up for a fight event in Bolton on Saturday, featuring one of his young boxers.
They then made a “concern for welfare” call to the police.
Cops discovered Ricky’s body at his £1.75million mansion in Hyde, Greater Manchester, just before 7am.
Police yesterday said that the death was not being treated as suspicious.
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, who is from nearby Bolton and credits pal Ricky as being a major inspiration, said yesterday: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.”
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.
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.
In the clip, 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.
“But you’ve done the right thing taking up the boxing, not so you can get your own back on him 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.”
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