RICKY Hatton’s manager has revealed the awful moment he found the star dead and says the boxer planned to go to an Oasis gig with his daughters.
The former world champion, 46, was tragically discovered by friend and rep Paul Speak at his home on September 14.
His death came months after he announced his return to boxing with a fight against Eisa Al Dah planned in Dubai in December.
Mr Speak has now told Boxing News Magazine: “The lights weren’t on, which I thought was strange.
“I thought he’d overslept, but it’s not unusual. People do oversleep.”
He said Hatton had arranged to take his daughters to the Gallagher brothers next week, on their reunion tour, and was planning a holiday to Tenerife at Christmas.
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He went on to say Hatton was “making so many plans with the people he loved”, adding: “There were so many things for him to live for – he was in a really good place.”
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it did not believe there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding Hatton’s death.
The Daily Mail claimed Hatton was “battling injury and grief” after a close friend killed himself in August.
It said pal David Leigh took his own life without warning and Hatton had attended his funeral just days before his own death.
The boxing legend paid an emotional tribute on social media at the time.
Hatton said: “We say our last goodbye to our mate dave leigh today. I wish you could have reached out to us mate.
“There was so many there for you. Give you a top send off today. See you shortly. Rick.”
Cops revealed they were called by a member of the public to attend the scene on Sunday at 6.45am, where they “found the body of a 46-year-old man”.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it did not believe there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding Ricky’s death.
During a glittering 15-year career, Hatton beat ring greats such as Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo.
He won 45 of his 48 fights throughout his stellar career and was a major advocate for boxers’ mental health, bravely sharing his own struggles after his retirement from the sport in 2012.
He suffered knockout losses to superstars Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009.
‘Heartbroken isn’t the word’
Hatton’s distraught son Campbell, 24, broke his silence amid a flood of tributes, saying: “Heartbroken isn’t the word.”
“Everybody has always said I was your double and never a truer word said,” he continued.
“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.”
Hatton’s mum Carol also paid tribute to her “beautiful boy”, posting a series of images on social media of the pair together.
She added: “[He was] never The Hitman to us, just Richard”.
A family statement said he was looking forward to his daughters Millie and Fearne seeing him fight live for the first time.
It added: “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 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.”
It went on to say: “He was a doting grandfather and loved spending time with Campbell and Lyla. Richard planned to spend more time in Tenerife.”
The statement added that Hatton had spoken to his family and team “in the days and weeks” before the weekend, and had had dinner with his daughters last Friday.
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It said: “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.”
Ricky Hatton’s biggest boxing wins
By Jack Figg
Paulie Malignaggi, November 2008
In his first fight since splitting with long-time trainer Billy Graham, Hatton dominated Malignaggi in one of his best displays of boxing.
Coached by Floyd Mayweather Sr, Hatton would earn a 2009 fight with Manny Pacquiao, which ended in a horrifying KO loss.
Luis Collazo, June 2007
Hatton dropped the veteran American in the opening seconds of round one and looked on course for a demolition job.
But he was taken to the brink over 12 rounds but held on to victory – earning him a super-fight with Floyd Mayweather six months later.
Kostya Tszyu, June 2005
Russian-born Aussie Tszyu was behind only Floyd Mayweather in the pound-for-pound rankings when he travelled to Manchester.
And Hatton pulled off a career-best win to stop Tszyu in the 11th round of what was a brutal war. He became light-welterweight world champ.
Eamonn Magee, June 2002
Hatton was dropped by the Irishman and looked to be on the brink of defeat.
But he got to his feet and rallied back to win over 12 rounds – showcasing his trademark grit and determination.
Jon Thaxton, October 2000
Hatton had to overcome a nasty cut – not for the first time in his career – to edge out a points win.
It won him the British light-welterweight title.
