The boxer’s loved ones say he had a ‘heart as big as his smile’
11:09, 15 Sep 2025Updated 13:34, 15 Sep 2025
Ricky Hatton, who was found dead on Sunday(Image: Anthony Devlin/Getty Images)
Ricky Hatton’s family have paid a moving tribute to a ‘beloved son’ with ‘a heart as big as his smile’.
The boxing icon was tragically found dead at his home in Gee Cross, Hyde, on Sunday morning (September 14).
The 46-year-old, born in Stockport and raised in Hattersley, won an army of fans during his glittering career – winning world titles in two weight divisions in the 2000s.
Tributes have poured in for the star over the last 24 hours, with figures from the world of sport and celebrity all paying their respects.
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But in a moving statement issued this morning (Monday), his family have paid tribute to ‘Richard, our son’ – remembering the ‘true friend to many’ who ‘never forgot where he came from’.
The family 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.
Ricky’s parents, Ray and Carol Hatton, during one of their son’s fights(Image: Getty Images)
“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.
“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.
Brothers Matthew and Ricky Hatton in the early days of their boxing careers
“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.”
The statement was signed off: “With love and gratitude, The Hatton Family.”
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Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road in Hyde yesterday morning, where Ricky was sadly found dead.
There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances, Greater Manchester Police says.