The devastated family of Ricky Hatton have issued a gut-wrenching statement saying the boxing legend appeared to be "in a good place" before his tragic death.

The beloved Manchester fighter's body was discovered at his Hyde home on Sunday morning, September 14, sparking an outpouring of tributes from the boxing world and beyond for the cherished former world champion. While Hatton's cause of death remains undisclosed, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed there are "not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances" surrounding his passing.

This morning, Wednesday, September 17, a statement from the former world champion's loved ones and management team appeared on the boxer's official Instagram account, confirming the 46-year-old, whom they refer to by his full name Richard, was discovered by his long time manager and close friend Paul Speak.

They revealed he had been spending precious moments with his family in the preceding days and disclosed how they have all been left utterly "distraught" by his shocking death, which followed long-standing battles with mental and physical health issues.

The statement said: "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.

"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."

Hatton's brother Matthew also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.

In a message shared on X, previously known as Twitter, on Wednesday, he said: "Huge thank you to everyone who's reached out over the last few days it's very much appreciated and helped greatly.

"Rick lived life at a pace I've never seen he would cram more into a month than some lifetimes, I take comfort and hope he's found the peace that eluded him in life."

Ricky Hatton's family thought he was 'in a good place' as new statement on death released - Daily Star