RICKY Hatton’s family say he was “in a good place” and “excited for the future” before he was found dead.
The world champion boxer, 46, was tragically discovered at home by his manager on Sunday.
A statement on his Instagram today from his family and team, confirmed the sporting legend’s bags were packed ready for a flight to Dubai to promote his comeback fight in December.
It comes after his distraught son Campbell, 24, broke his silence yesterday, saying: “Heartbroken isn’t the word.”
The family statement said he was looking forward to his daughters Millie and Fearne seeing his fight live for the first time.
It added: “We are all distraught at the events of recent days. To all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place.
“He was excited for the future; his bag was packed ready to go to Dubai to promote a comeback fight and he was planning a celebration in Dubai which his beloved girls Millie and Fearne were to be the centre of.
“He was excited that they would see him fight for the first time in person.”
It went on to say: “He was a doting grandfather and loved spending time with Campbell and Lyla. Richard planned to spend more time in Tenerife.”
The statement added that Hatton had spoken to his family and team “in the days and weeks” before the weekend, and had had dinner with his daughters last Friday.
It said: “Richard was not alone in life or in the days before the weekend.
“We are all in shock at the events that unfolded over the weekend.”
The statement confirmed Hatton was found by his manager and long-time friend Paul Speak.
It added: “The outpouring of grief and love from the nation and worldwide shows how much Richard was loved.
“It will, in time, be something that gives us all some comfort and pride.
“For now, however, we would like to have a period of private and personal mourning.
“The priority for us all is to ensure the wellbeing and support of Richard’s children and grandchildren.”
It said details of a memorial service will follow.
Hatton won world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweight and traded blows with some of history’s greatest fighters.
His death came months after he announced his return to boxing with a fight against Eisa Al Dah planned in Dubai in December.
GettyRicky Hatton was found dead on Sunday aged 46[/caption]
Instagram/rickyhitmanhattonA statement was posted on behalf of his family and team today[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
