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Ricky Hatton’s family have paid tribute to the former world champion after his death at the age of 46.
Hatton, nicknamed “The Hitman”, was found dead at his home in Hyde on Sunday morning. The death is not being treated as suspicious by police.
During his career between 1997 and 2012, the British fighter won titles in the light welterweight and welterweight divisions.
Hatton’s family have described their loss and pain following the boxer’s death. File pic: PA
In a tribute, released by Greater Manchester Police, the family said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard.”
The statement added: “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. 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.”
Hatton’s brother Matthew, who is also a boxer, posted a series of photos of them together and wrote: “I love you Richard. See you on the other side.”
Tributes have also been paid from across the world of sport and entertainment, including Amir Khan, Tyson Fury, Chris Eubank Jr, Liam Gallagher, while the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has pledged to “find a way of honouring him properly”.
In a statement on X, Mr Burnham said Hatton supported many good causes and was “much loved by so many in Greater Manchester”.
“He made us smile and made us proud… We will find a way of honouring him properly,” he added.
Tributes left outside Ricky Hatton’s home on Monday. Pic: PA
Pic: PA
Oasis singer Liam Gallagher also wrote on X that he was “absolutely devastated”.
“It was an absolute honour to know him and carry his belts RIP CHAMP LIVE FOREVER LG x.”
Ricky Hatton is joined by Liam and Noel Gallagher after his 2008 fight against Paulie Malignaggi. Pic: Reuters
Paul Malignaggi, who lost against Hatton in a legendary 2008 bout in Nevada, posted a message about his “old friend and foe”, saying his death was “extremely sad”.
Two-time boxing Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams called Hatton a “true legend in and out of the ring”.
Former professional boxer Barry McGuigan told Sky’s Jonathan Samuels that Hatton was “a phenomenal attraction, both inside and outside the ring”.
“He fought at a ferocious pace… He was a great body puncher. He was a real throwback to the swashbuckling days of the 1930s and 1940s. He was just so great to watch and so entertaining, such an enthralling style.”
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‘Swashbuckling’ Hatton was a throwback boxer
Marco Antonio Barrera, who fought Hatton in an unscored exhibition bout in 2022, said the boxer “was a once in a lifetime man” and was his “closest friend in boxing”.
Manchester City goalscorer Phil Foden dedicated his side’s 3-0 derby win over Manchester United to Hatton, a lifelong City fan. Before kick-off, a one-minute applause was held in Hatton’s memory.
City manager Pep Guardiola (L) greets Phil Foden (R), who dedicated his side’s 3-0 derby win over Manchester United to Hatton. Pic: PA
David Beckham shared several images of Hatton on Instagram, calling the boxer “one of a kind”.
Cricket star Freddie Flintoff also posted an image of the boxer in the ring, adding the word “legend” alongside a broken heart emoji.
Comedian Paddy McGuinness paid an emotional tribute as he announced news of the boxer’s death while presenting his radio show.
Everybody wanted a piece of Ricky Hatton
There are few sporting stars who cross from the newspaper back pages to become front page news… but Ricky Hatton always was one of them.
Aside from his boxing brilliance, it was his personality and humour which made people pay attention.
In recent years, his happy-go-lucky character saw him cast on reality shows like Dancing on Ice.
But what’s more interesting is how and why the public came to have such great affection for him back in the day.
Putting it kindly, sports stars aren’t always known for their sparkling personalities.
It was Ricky’s lack of interest in the trappings of fame which accompanied his epic run of victories that made him all the more cool.
Read more from Katie here.
The family statement, released on Monday, also described the “loss” and “pain” at the news of Hatton’s death.
“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. 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.”
Hatton had announced he was coming out of retirement for a December bout in Dubai, 13 years after his last professional match. The Manchester boxer had been set to fight Eisa Al Dah on 2 December.
