Ricky Hatton’s family have paid emotional tribute to the beloved British boxer following his death at the age of 46.
Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester on Sunday morning, with police confirming that they are not treating it as suspicious.
The passing of one of the most popular British sporting figures of modern times and a former super-lightweight and welterweight champion, one of Manchester’s favourite sons, quickly led to an outpouring of shock and grief from around the world of boxing and beyond.
Hatton’s family have now spoken publicly on their “immeasurable loss”, paying heartfelt tribute to a “loving father, grandfather, brother, and true friend to many”, who was “so much more than a world champion” and whose “kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him”.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard,” read the Hattons’ statement, published via Greater Manchester Police.
“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.
“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.
“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. With love and gratitude, The Hatton Family.”
Hatton - who had planned to return to the ring for a second exhibition bout against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai in December - is survived by his children Millie, Fearne and Campbell, granddaughter Lyla, brother Matthew and parents Carol and Ray.
Campbell Hatton also boxed professionally up until last year, while Matthew is a former European welterweight champion who now works as a trainer.
Tributes were on full display to lifelong Manchester City fan Hatton during Sunday’s derby clash with rivals Manchester United in the Premier League, while mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said that he will be further honoured by his home city.
Hard to take this in.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) September 14, 2025
Ricky was much loved by so many in Greater Manchester.
He was the kind of person who would always turn up for people, supporting so many causes.
He made us smile and made us proud.
We will find a way of honouring him properly.
Rest in peace, Champ. 💪🏻 https://t.co/6nYJyKFyMf
“Hard to take this in,” he wrote on social media. “Ricky was much loved by so many in Greater Manchester.
“He was the kind of person who would always turn up for people, supporting so many causes. He made us smile and made us proud. We will find a way of honouring him properly. Rest in peace, Champ. “
