Ricky Hatton's 'broken-hearted' dad is struggling and rarely on his phone after his son's shocking death aged 46, reveals 'devastated' darts legend Phil Taylor

Darts legend Phil Taylor has opened up on how Ricky Hatton's father, Ray, is struggling to cope with the shock death of his son.

The Hitman was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, last Sunday. His death his not being treated as suspicious. 

In the wake of the tragedy, mourners from across the sporting world have paid tribute to the Stockport fighter. Hatton has also received poignant farewells from family members - including his parents, young brother Matthew, and son Campbell.

The long-serving manager of Hatton found his body of the sporting legend at his home in Hyde on Sunday morning, boxing pundit Steve Bunce has revealed.

A family statement was issued by police and read: '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.

The family added that Hatton would be remembered to the wider world 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' as the statement continued, and Taylor, who was a friend of Hatton, has given an insight into Ray's struggles.

'I'm gutted. Gutted,' Taylor said via The Sun. 'In fact his dad Ray texted me the other night when I was in the hotel because he hadn't been on his phone for a few days.

'It's breaking his heart. I should go see him next week. He only lives round the corner from where Richard used to live. I'm absolutely devastated to be honest.

Taylor was unable to get to Hatton's fights at the peak of his career due to his darts commitments, but was able to make it to some of his fights to cheer on his friend.

The 16-time world champion is also a keen amateur analyst and knows his stuff - and gave further insight into stories around Hatton and Ray.

'Once Ricky got a time and date for a boxing fight, he was like a monk,' Taylor added. 'He was so disciplined.

'When he lived with his mum and dad, they had the pub close by. So he used to run up the road and there was a McDonald's at the top. Obviously he's bloody hungry because he's in training.

'So he'd do an extra two miles and then he'd run back. Ray used to say to him: "Right, get on the scales. He'd get on the scales. How much is it? "I've dropped two pounds, dad".

'His dad would then say: "Right you can have some milk in your coffee'. That was his treat. Not a McDonald's.

'Ricky was very clever in the ring with his elbows. If I've done a little spar with him, he'd put his elbows in here and he was pulling you down and hitting. He was great.

'I went to many of his fights. I went to the one against Kostya Tszyu. And the one with Eamonn Magee.'