Ricky Hatton’s heartbroken family have paid an emotional tribute to the former world champion after he was found dead at his Manchester home on Sunday, aged 46. In a statement, they hailed his “kindness, humour and loyalty,” remembering not only a ring icon but the man they simply called Richard.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard,” the family said, describing him as “a loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many.” They added that “he had a heart as big as his smile,” and that his warmth touched everyone lucky enough to know him.
To the wider public, Hatton will forever be a British boxing great. The Manchester hero’s career peaked in 2005 when he dethroned Kostya Tszyu at the arena now known as AO Arena, igniting nights that defined a generation of fight fans. He later shared the stage with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Those defeats sent him into a spiral he spoke about openly—using his platform in recent years to talk candidly about depression while returning to the gym to train and guide others.
The family stressed that beyond titles and sold-out nights, he “wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it,” never forgetting where he came from. “As a family, our loss is immeasurable,” the statement continued. “We have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support… Richard’s legacy—both in boxing and as a man—will continue to live on.”
The city he loved answered in kind. Flowers, scarves and replica Manchester City shirts were laid outside his Hyde home on Monday morning as fans gathered quietly to pay respects. A minute’s applause rang out before Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad.
Among the many tributes, Manny Pacquiao wrote: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ricky Hatton… He was not only a great fighter inside the ring but also a brave and kind man in life… My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Hatton family.” City star Phil Foden told Sky Sports: “My heart obviously goes out to his family… I’m sure he would have been here today supporting us. Today is for him.”
In their final request, the family asked for space to grieve: “At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him… Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.”
