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Ricky Hatton's family have expressed their shock after the British boxing star's death at the age of 46, saying they believed him to be in a 'good place'.
Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
In a statement shared on Wednesday, the Hatton family shared heartbreaking details of the star's final days, revealing he had been spending time with family and was 'excited for the future'.
The post read: '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 of 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. He was a doting grandfather and loved spending time with Campbell and Lyla. Richard planned to spend more time in Tenerife.'
Ricky Hatton's family have expressed their shock after the British boxing star's death at the age of 46 , saying they believed him to be in a 'good place' (Hatton pictured in 2018)
In a statement, the Hatton family shared heartbreaking details of the star's final days, revealing he had been spending time with family and was 'excited for the future'
A family photograph from the Sky programme At Home With The Hattons shows Hatton with (from left) partner Jennifer Dooley, father Ray, Hatton with his son Campbell, his mother Carol, brother Matthew's girlfriend Jenna and brother Matthew holding his son Jack in 2008
The statement continued: 'Richard had spoken to his family and his team in the days and weeks before the weekend.
'He had dinner with his girls on Friday night, and 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.
'Richard was found by his friend and long-time manager Paul Speak, who we are supporting at this time along with Richard's parents, Ray and Carol, his children and the wider family.
'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 Granddaughter.
'Details of a memorial service will likely follow, but in the meantime we would all be grateful if the privacy of the family and Richard's memory be respected. It is not our intention to make any further public statements currently. WLR Law.'
On Tuesday evening, Hatton's son Campbell paid tribute to his father, sharing an emotional statement on Instagram
In his social media tribute, Campbell shared pictures of himself with his father over the years
Like his father, the 24-year-old was a boxer before his early retirement in July of this year
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 and his young brother Matthew.
On Tuesday evening, his son Campbell paid his own tribute to his father, sharing an emotional statement on Instagram.
'Heartbroken isn’t the word,' Campbell wrote. 'Everybody has always said I was your double and never a truer word said.
'Looked up to you in every aspect of life. Can’t explain how much I’m going to miss the laughs we had and all the good times which I will remember forever.
'Just can’t believe we won’t have anymore. Love you dad.'
Campbell is one of three Hatton siblings, with sisters Millie and Fearne the children of the boxer and his former partner Jennifer Dooley.
Like his father, Campbell was also a promising young boxer, but retired only two months ago following emotional tumult after the death of one of his closest friends.
Career highlights included fighting on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's fight with Oleksandr Usyk in 2021, and Campbell had a record of 14 professional victories before his final two defeats.
Hatton had himself announced his return to the ring just weeks before his death, with a fight planned in Dubai this December.
The boxer had previously focused on coaching in recent years.
Hatton shared a photo with his two daughters Millie and Fearne in Tenerife last month
Hatton proudly holds his granddaughter Lyla, the daughter of his son Campbell
During his fighting career, Hatton was an aggressive and brave fighter who held multiple world and UK titles between 1997 and 2012 - including the night he toppled Russia's Kostya Tszyu to go from underdog to boxing sensation overnight.
Daily Mail Sport understands that friends were initially concerned on Saturday night, when Hatton failed to appear at a fight in Bolton involving one of his boxers, believed to be Jack Murphy, after also missing his gym session on Friday.
Hatton, who was awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2007, had often spoken of his struggles with mental health and drug addiction.
But his good friend, boxing pundit Steve Bunce, on Sunday revealed he 'was in a really good place' after 'facing, attacking and solving' his addictions.
Hatton's £35million fortune is set to be split between family members including Campbell, Millie, and Fearne.
This week, Hatton's family said they feel an 'immeasurable' sense of loss after his death but were 'deeply moved' by the outpouring of love and support towards him.
'Richard was so much more than a world champion,' Hatton's parents Carol and Ray said in their tribute. '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.
'It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected'.
Hatton with his father Ray after a press conference in Manchester in September 2005
In the sporting world, tributes have been paid to the fighter by fellow boxing greats including Tyson Fury and Amir Khan.
The 'Gypsy King' took to Instagram and wrote: 'RIP to the legend, Ricky Hatton. There will only be one Ricky Hatton. Can't believe this, so young.'
Khan wrote: 'Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton. As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong - we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up.
'But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind. Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other.
'Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible.
'To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding. Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.'
Pep Guardiola and Phil Foden both paid emotional tribute to Hatton after the Manchester derby
At the Etihad, Hatton's beloved Manchester City paid tribute to him on Sunday afternoon with a minute's silence before their derby clash with Manchester United.
After securing the 3-0 win, Phil Foden said that he '100 per cent' had 'extra motivation' to score - which he duly did - adding: 'it was for him and his family and for the people suffering right now.
'The lads gave it everything. It wasn't a pretty match, but it was all for him.'
Man City manager Pep Guardiola, who looked noticeably moved by the tributes added: 'I have been 10 years (at City) and I don't remember one so intense like today.
'Thank you so much to Manchester United fans. I know he was a world champion in boxing. There are no words that can contain the pain that the family can feel right now.
'We are close and I know how incredible he was as a Manchester City fan. He could live the good moments and the bad moments. The moment of silence was unbelievable, I will always remember it. A massive, massive City fan.'
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