Ricky Hatton's family say boxer was 'in a good place' as they share details of final days

Ricky Hatton’s family said the former world champion boxer appeared to be "in a good place" and was looking forward to the future as they shared details of his final days following his death at age 46.

Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday. Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious. In a statement released on Wednesday through WLR Law, the family said Hatton had spoken to relatives and members of his team in the days before his death and had been spending time with his children and grandchildren.

"To all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place," the statement said. The family said he was "excited for the future; his bag was packed ready to go to Dubai to promote a comeback fight" and that he had been planning a celebration in Dubai that would have focused on his daughters, Millie and Fearne. The statement also said Hatton had been a "doting grandfather" and had planned to spend more time in Tenerife.

The family said Hatton had dinner with his daughters on Friday night and was not "alone in life or in the days before the weekend." They said he was found by his friend and long-time manager, Paul Speak, and requested a period of private mourning while prioritising the wellbeing of Hatton’s children and granddaughter. They added that details of a memorial service would be announced later and that no further public statements were planned at this time.

Hatton’s son Campbell paid tribute on social media on Tuesday, calling his father a role model and saying he would miss their time together. "Heartbroken isn’t the word," Campbell wrote. Campbell, 24, had competed as a professional boxer before retiring in July. He had fought on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s bout with Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and compiled 14 professional victories before ending his career.

Friends had expressed concern after Hatton missed a gym session on Friday and failed to appear at a fight in Bolton on Saturday night, Daily Mail Sport reported. The family statement did not provide further details about the circumstances of his death.

During a storied ring career that ran from the late 1990s into the early 2010s, Hatton held multiple world and domestic titles and was best known for his upset victory over Kostya Tszyu that propelled him to international prominence. He was awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to sport and in recent years had focused on coaching and media work. Hatton had announced a return to the ring weeks before his death, with a fight reportedly planned for Dubai in December.

Tributes poured in from across the sporting world. Former opponents and colleagues expressed shock and sadness. Tyson Fury wrote on social media that there would "only be one Ricky Hatton," and Amir Khan praised Hatton’s contributions to boxing while urging people to talk about mental health. Manchester City observed a minute’s silence before its derby against Manchester United, and manager Pep Guardiola described the tribute as "unbelievable," saying he had not experienced one so intense in his time at the club. Phil Foden, who scored in City’s 3-0 win, said the goal was dedicated to Hatton and his family.

Hatton’s struggles with mental health and substance use were public, and friends, including boxing pundit Steve Bunce, said in recent days that Hatton had been "in a really good place" after addressing past addictions. The family said they had been "deeply moved" by the outpouring of support and described the loss as "immeasurable."

Reports have suggested Hatton’s estate will be divided among family members, including his three children. The family reiterated their request for privacy while they mourn.

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