THE FAMILY of the late, great Ricky Hatton has told how he was ‘excited for the future.’
Hyde, the boxing community and the wider sporting world have been left stunned after the 46-year-old two-weight world champion’s body was found at his Gee Cross home on Sunday, September 14.
Tributes have come flooding in from those he faced in the ring and those he inspired both in his hometown and through talking about his own struggles.
Now his family has spoken about how they felt he was in ‘a good place’ before receiving the devastating news.
In a statement, they said: “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.
“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.”
The statement revealed Ricky’s body was discovered at his home on Bowlacre Road by his friend and long-time manager Paul Speak.
He, along with Ricky’s parents, Ray and Carol, his children and the wider family, is being supported and helped.
And the statement, posted on the boxing great’s Instagram account, thanked those who paid tribute, with flowers being laid both at his home and the gym he set up on Market Street in Hyde.
It adds: “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 a se grateful if the privacy of the family and Richard’s memory be respected.”