Ricky Hatton 'had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him', his parents said today.
Tributes have poured in for the 46-year-old boxing star after Greater Manchester Police revealed yesterday that he had been found dead at his home in Hyde.
A family statement was issued by police this morning which read: '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.'
