By News18,Ritayan Basu

Copyright news18

Ricky Hatton’s family expressed on Monday that they feel an “immeasurable” sense of loss following the death of the former British boxing world champion at the age of 46.
Greater Manchester Police reported on Sunday that Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, with no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Tributes For Ricky Hatton
Tributes from the sporting world and beyond have poured in for Hatton, who won 45 of his 48 professional fights and held world champion titles at light-welterweight and welterweight.
“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,” Hatton’s family stated through Greater Manchester Police.
“His heart was as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour, and loyalty touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.
“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.”
Hatton’s family noted that he had inspired generations.
“But beyond the titles, memorable nights, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from,” they said.
“As a family, our loss is immeasurable.”
Hatton, nicknamed “The Hitman,” debuted in 1997 and last fought professionally in 2012.
He achieved notable world title victories over Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo before facing defeats by Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
His aggressive style made him one of the most popular British boxers of his generation.
Hatton was open about his mental health struggles following his retirement from boxing.
Among those paying tribute were Filipino former eight-division world champion Pacquiao and British former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
Hatton’s former promoter Frank Warren described him as “one of the modern greats of this sport.”
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham mentioned that the city would consider the best way to honour the late boxer.
Burnham found Hatton’s death “hard to take in” and added, “Ricky was much loved by so many in Greater Manchester. He was the kind of person who would always turn up for people, supporting so many causes.
“He made us smile and made us proud. We will find a way of honouring him properly. Rest in peace, champ.”
(With inputs from AFP)