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The family of tragic boxer Ricky Hatton have issued a new statement to stress that, to their knowledge, he was in "a good place" before he died - despite his "well-documented struggles". The 46-year-old sports star was found dead at his home in Hyde on Sunday, with Greater Manchester Police saying his death is not being treated as suspicious.

On Monday, his family spoke for the first time after the shock death to reveal their "immeasurable" heartbreak, before thanking fans for their outpouring of love. But on Wednesday, they released a surprise second statement to put on record their claims that Hatton had been in a "good place" before he died, had been spending time with family and was "excited for the future".

The message read: "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."

The statement continued: "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. WLR Law."

In the wake of the tragedy, mourners from across the sporting world have paid tribute to the Stockport fighter.

His ex-girlfriend, actress Claire Sweeney - who met Hatton on ITV's Dancing on Ice last year - has written on Instagram: "I've needed a few days to process the devastating news about my dear friend Ricky. My thoughts are with his family especially his children Campbell, Millie, Fearne and Lyla, his granddaughter.

"To them, Speaky (Paul Speak) and to all his friends who loved him so deeply and for so many years I send you my deepest sympathy. Ricky, you were the people's champ. We adored and cherished you. Love you always."

And recently, his young brother Matthew and son Campbell have hailed Hatton as a beloved brother and dad.

On Tuesday evening, Campbell wrote on Instagram: "Heartbroken isn't the word. 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 is one of three Hatton siblings, with sisters Millie and Fearne being the children of the boxer and his former partner Jennifer Dooley.

Like his father, Campbell was also a promising young boxer, but retired only two months ago following emotional tumult after the death of one of his closest friends.

Hatton had himself announced his return to the ring just weeks before his death, with a fight planned in Dubai this December. The boxer had previously focused on coaching in recent years.

During his fighting career, Hatton was an aggressive and brave fighter who held multiple world and UK titles between 1997 and 2012 - including the night he toppled Russia's Kostya Tszyu to go from underdog to boxing sensation overnight.

Hatton, who was awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2007, had often spoken of his struggles with mental health and drug addiction.

His brother Matthew - himself a boxer who trained Campbell - posted on X on Wednesday morning: "Huge thankyou to everyone who's reached out over the last few days it's very much appreciated & 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 & hope he's found the peace that eluded him in life."

Meanwhile two Manchester United legends have paid their own tributes to Ricky Hatton - as Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes spoke on their new podcast with Paddy McGuinness called 'The Good, The Bad and The Football.'

Butt said: "We've known him through the years, since growing up. The connection of him and Manchester in general is massive. The news was heartbreaking. It really was."

While Scholes added: "The amount of nights I've had with him. He was always with his same mates. He never forgot his roots.

"He always lived in the same area. A proper Manchester person, and somebody we were all proud of. You just feel now for his family, two young girls, grandkids, his boy as well. It's just so sad."

The leader of Tameside Council has also paid tribute to Hatton, who grew up in Hattersley and lived in Gee Cross, Hyde, at the time of his death.

Cllr Eleanor Wills said he had "inspired countless people" and was "always wanting to give back to the place he called home."