Ricky Hatton's family have issued a statement after the boxer's sudden death.
The former world champion was found dead at his home in Manchester on Sunday at the age of 46.
He won light-welterweight and welterweight titles during a 15-year career as he established himself as one of the country's greatest ever boxers.
The statement 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.
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"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.
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"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.
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"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 Hatton's younger brother Matthew took to X to issue his condolences.
He wrote: "I love you Richard. See you on the other side X."
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The Stockport-born fighter was found at his home in Hyde on Saturday morning.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a body had been found, but the death was not being treated as suspicious.
Hatton was set to return to the ring in December to fight Eisa Al Dah in Dubai.
The boxing legend won his first 43 professional fights, before he lost to Floyd Mayweather in an infamous fight in Las Vegas. Last year, Hatton was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, further cementing his status as one of Britain's greatest boxers.
Topics: Ricky Hatton, Boxing, Boxing News
James Taylor