Portugal Colonial - Former boxing world champion Hatton 'excited for the future' before death: family

Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, northwest England, on Sunday. Greater Manchester Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

A new family statement issued via Hatton's Instagram account on Wednesday said he had been discovered by his long-time manager, Paul Speak.

"To all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place," the statement said.

"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."

Hatton, nicknamed the "Hitman", was candid about the mental health issues he faced after he retired from boxing.

He last fought professionally in 2012 but was due to return to the ring to face Eisa Al Dah in Dubai in December.

Tributes poured in from the sporting world and beyond for Hatton, who won 45 of his 48 professional bouts and was world champion at light-welterweight and welterweight.

The family statement said: "We are all in shock at the events that unfolded over the weekend... 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."

E.Borba--PC