Ricky Hatton's family reveals heartbreaking details of boxing legend's final days

Ricky Hatton's family has revealed the boxing legend was in "a good place" before his death last weekend.

Ricky Hatton was found dead last Sunday by his long-time manager and confidant Paul Speak, leading to an outpouring of grief. Hatton, who was 36, was one of Britain's most popular fighters having been crowned world champion in 2005 before taking on ring legends Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

He was due to return to the ring in December in Dubai and was due to fly to the Middle East on the day he was found dead. His family has now revealed they believed he was "excited for the future" and have asked to be given the space to grieve.

A statement issued on their behalf 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.

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"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. 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."

Former world heavyweight champion Frank Bruno was among those who paid tribute to Hatton earlier this week, saying “there will never be another Ricky” in a heartfelt message on social media. Bruno shared memories he had with Hatton outside of the ring and described him as a “friend and an amazing human being”.

He wrote: “Yesterday was a bit of a blur and now I have got over the initial shock I am happy to join the many others with my tribute to Ricky. “Ricky Hatton what can I say? He told me he grew up as a fan of mine I went to couple of his fights and we used to bump into each other on the circuit. When he retired and opened his gym in Manchester, I went up to train with him and spar a few times.

“He got involved with my charity & become an ambassador and we spoke numerous times about mental health and depression mainly when we were in dressing rooms waiting to go on stage for shows. I would call that the quality one-to-one time we had.

“The other side to Rick he made me laugh so many times. There were so many comparables in our life separated by 20 years both business and personal. He did not take himself too seriously. My life was enriched through knowing Ricky he was great fun to be around.

“The crowds used to sing “There’s only one Ricky Hatton” never truer words. There will never be another Ricky or anyone like him and at this time I share the shock and upset of losing what I consider to be a great fighter, a friend and an amazing human being.”