Ricky Hatton's family reveal who found his body in heart-breaking statement

Ricky Hatton's family has revealed his manager and close friend Paul Speak was the person who found the boxing legend's body. The former world champion was found dead at his home on September 14 at the age of 46 years old.

His passing came as a huge shock to his family, boxing fans and the wider sports world, who came together to pay tribute to the icon. The likes of Tyson Fury, Athony Joshua and Amir Khan send touching tributes on social media, while Phil Foden dedicated his goal against Manchester United to the passionate Manchester City fan. Three days after his body was found, a statement from his family that was uploaded to his Instagram page revealed his manager Paul Speak found Hatton's body.

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 his 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 going 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 has 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 witn 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.

"In the meantime we would all be grateful if the privacy of the family and Richard's memory be respected. It is not out intention to make any further public statements currently."