Ricky Hatton's family have hailed his "kindness, humour and loyalty" in an emotional tribute following his death.

Hatton, who was 46, was found dead at his home in Manchester on Sunday. He became one of Britain's most popular fighters during his career, which peaked in 2005 when he became world champion in his home city of Manchester. He went on to fight Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, losing both - defeats which plunged him into a deep depression.

But he had emerged from his darkness in recent years, returning to the gym to train fighters and speaking openly about his mental health. And in a statement released by his family, they said the former world champion “had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him."

The full statement 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.

"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. He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.

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“As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support. It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.

“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy — both in boxing and as a man — will continue to live on. Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.”

Hatton enjoyed the greatest moment of his career in his home city, when he beat Kostya Tszyu for the IBF welterweight title at the Manchester Arena in 2005. Tributes including flowers and replica shirts of Hatton’s beloved Manchester City were laid outside Hatton’s home in Hyde on Monday morning as the region started to come to terms with the loss of one of its greatest sporting stars.

Another of Hatton’s opponents, Manny Pacquiao, offered his condolences. Pacquiao, who beat Hatton in 2009, posted on Instagram: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ricky Hatton. “He was not only a great fighter inside the ring but also a brave and kind man in life.

“We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history and I will always honour the respect and sportsmanship he showed. Ricky fought bravely, not just in the ring, but in his journey through life. He truly had a good fight, and we are all blessed to have been part of his wonderful journey.

“My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Hatton family and all his loved ones. May the Lord give you strength and comfort in this difficult time. May he rest in peace.” A minute’s applause was held before Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium in memory of Hatton.

City midfielder Phil Foden told Sky Sports before the match: “My heart obviously goes out to his family, at this hard time. “Obviously to hear the news just before a big game is devastating. I’m sure he would have been here today as well, supporting us. Today is for him and we’re going to try to get the win and do the best we can for him.”