RICKY Hatton’s family say he was “in a good place” and “excited for the future” before he was found dead.
The world champion boxer, 46, was tragically discovered at home by his manager on Sunday.
A statement on his Instagram today from his family and team, confirmed the sporting legend’s bags were packed ready for a flight to Dubai to promote his comeback fight in December.
It comes after his distraught son Campbell, 24, broke his silence yesterday, saying: “Heartbroken isn’t the word.”
Hatton’s grieving son would go on to say: “Everybody has always said I was your double and never a truer word said.
“Looked up to you in every aspect of life.
“Can’t explain how much I’m going to miss the laughs we had and all the good times which I will remember forever.
“Just can’t believe we won’t have anymore. Love you dad.”
Campbell shared an Instagram post captioned with the emotional words accompanied by a video montage of the father and son duo enjoying nights out, hugging each other and singing together.
Ricky’s mum Carol also paid tribute to her “beautiful boy” last week, posting a series of images on social media of the pair together.
She added: “[He was] never The Hitman to us, just Richard”.
A family statement released today said he was looking forward to his daughters Millie and Fearne seeing him fight live for the first time.
It added: “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 which his beloved girls Millie and Fearne were to be the centre of.
“He was excited that they would see him fight for the first time in person.”
It went on to say: “He was a doting grandfather and loved spending time with Campbell and Lyla. Richard planned to spend more time in Tenerife.”
The statement added that Hatton had spoken to his family and team “in the days and weeks” before the weekend, and had had dinner with his daughters last Friday.
It said: “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.”
The statement confirmed Hatton was found by his manager and long-time friend Paul Speak.
It added: “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 grandchildren.”
It said details of a memorial service will follow.
Ricky’s family previously said: “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.”
They went on to speak on the “immeasurable loss” they had suffered and the pain they felt at losing the world champion.
The family’s statement continues: “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.”
The boxing star’s family had released a heartbroken statement through Greater Manchester Police shortly after the tragic loss, confirming Ricky’s death.
They said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard.
“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.”
Hatton won world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweight and traded blows with some of history’s greatest fighters.
His death came months after he announced his return to boxing with a fight against Eisa Al Dah planned in Dubai in December.
It comes as tributes continue to pour in from across the globe for the late icon.
Cops revealed they were called by a member of the public to attend the scene on Sunday at 6.45am, where they “found the body of a 46-year-old man”.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it did not believe there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding Ricky’s death.
The Mail claims Hatton was “battling injury and grief” after a close friend killed himself in August.
It claimed pal David Leigh took his own life without warning.
The Mail says Hatton attended Leigh’s funeral just days before his own tragic death.
And the boxing legend paid an emotional tribute on social media at the time.
Hatton said: “We say our last goodbye to our mate dave leigh today. I wish you could have reached out to us mate. There was so many there for you. Give you a top send off today. See you shortly. Rick.”
During a glittering 15-year career, Hatton beat ring greats such as Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo.
He won 45 of his 48 fights throughout his stellar career and was a major advocate for boxers’ mental health, bravely sharing his own struggles after his retirement from the sport in 2012.
He suffered knockout losses to superstars Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009.
