Ricky Hatton's family has paid tribute to the former world champion after his death at the age of 46. Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde on Sunday morning. The death is not being treated as suspicious by police. During his career between 1997 and 2012, the British fighter - nicknamed "The Hitman" - won titles in the light welterweight and welterweight divisions. In a statement released by Greater Manchester Police, the family said: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard.
00:00Ricky Hatton's family has paid tribute to the former world champion after his death at the age of 46.
00:09Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde on Sunday morning.
00:13The death is not being treated as suspicious by police.
00:17During his career between 1997 and 2012 the British fighter nicknamed the Hitman won titles in the light welterweight and welterweight divisions.
00:26In a statement released by Greater Manchester Police the family said it's with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard.
00:37Manchester will work to honour Ricky Hatton properly its mayor Andy Burnham has said.
00:42Hatton's death was drawn tribute from across the sporting world and Burnham says thoughts will now be given to how the city can best honour his memory.
00:53Burnham wrote on X that it was hard to take in Hatton's death and added Ricky was much loved by so many in Greater Manchester.
01:01He was the kind of person who would always turn up for people supporting so many causes.
01:08The world was absolutely brilliant but for one reason or another it's a shame that he's not been able to put that wonderful performance against Klitschko and he's not been able to capitalise on it which for one reason or another has been an absolute crying shame.
01:23But you know he's he's in the gym you know it was only a few weeks ago he was in my gym he was spent about four weeks in my gym you know and he's shedded about four stone in weight and he's still continuing to come down.
01:36Who do you see winning and what do you make of that foul?
01:39I can't see past Tyson can't see him losing against anyone to be honest with you but I mean usage Olympic gold medalist undisputed cruiserweight undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
01:53It was this time two years ago I took a trip to Telford International Centre to see the premiere for the Box Off a new fighting show that took the spotlight in helping young boxers get their moment to go full time and make a living in the sport.
02:09Ricky Hatton came across as an invested proud figure who wanted to ensure he was making a mark in his community.
02:17These are on you know in the boxing career you know normally like ticket deals you know you know just you know just a few you know you know they're getting a decent purse an opportunity to get more fights or springboard the career and that's you know and that's what it's all about me.
02:35I think you know with the thing with TV and social media and everything you know everyone wants to see the big names the big this big that but you know there'd be no big names if it wasn't for the you know for this level you know and they're getting an opportunity that they might not have really dreamed of and I think it's just I think I was probably from the last era I think of fighters that wanted listen you know
03:04I know I know I know I want a big person I know I want the lion's share of it but you know you know listen you know I want to fight the best I want to you know and and it's you know I've never forgot my grassroots I think that's why people like me I've never forgot my grassroots and to give you know to try and give an opportunity to someone that would never have got the opportunity if it weren't for this box off show.
03:25Ricky was present and represented the Manchester team he was incredibly passionate that grassroots boxing is where it all starts and wanted to help a number of young fighters both men and women make their names in the sport.
03:40It's only the hit man who can walk into a room with a Greggs track suit and no one would bat an eyelid.
03:48He also expressed his disappointment on where the sport currently is and that he hopes more youngsters are given a platform in the future.
03:57Sport boxing is all about for me so I'm giving a little bit back you know the you know the the the fighters that were involved the the lads and the ladies might not get an opportunity like the the likes of your your GB squad or your your Olympians.
04:10or your world champions or anything like that they get an opportunity you know what will come of this you know whether they win it or whether they don't will be more fights more opportunities to raising the profile it could be a springboard for you know bigger bigger things to come.
04:25A magnificent British boxer and an even better person Ricky will be remembered for his smile and presence to lit up every room he entered.
04:33A huge loss to the sporting community and a huge advocate of mental health issues and ensuring people reach out and speak to one another in times of need.
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