Ricky Hatton’s son says the legendary British boxer Ricky Hatton’s sudden death has left his family ‘hit for six’ – and told of how they were making ‘so many plans’.
The former world light-welterweight and welterweight champion fondly known as ‘The Hitman’ was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, by his close friend and manager Paul Speak last month.
His death at the age of 46 is not being treated as suspicious.
Now his son Campbell Hatton has been speaking about the loss, saying the family were ‘heartbroken’ but rallying together in support.
Campbell, 24, told ITV News: ‘We are absolutely heartbroken – it was so unexpected..
‘We had so many plans coming up, so it has knocked us for six, but obviously we are trying to be there for each other.
‘The outpouring of support from absolutely everyone has been amazing, so that’s helping us through a lot – but yes, absolutely heartbroken.’
Hatton’s beloved Manchester City commissioned a tifo display ahead of their home match against Burnley last Saturday, with a number of family members – including Campbell – in attendance at the Etihad.
Flowers were place on Hatton’s empty seat and Campbell looked visibly moved by the displays on Saturday afternoon.
Campbell is one of three Hatton siblings, with sisters Millie and Fearne 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.
Campbell told ITV News his father ‘used to call me his little Mini-Me’, adding: ‘We were identical in so many ways and I think it’s shown through how close we were and the banter we had with each other.
‘To so many he was Ricky Hatton the boxer, but to me he was just my dad, and to the family, it was Richard. We just can’t get our heads round it at the minute.’
Fans will have another opportunity to pay their respects to Ricky, with a memorial service set to take place on Friday 10 October at Manchester Cathedral.
While entry to the cathedral itself is ticketed, the procession route will be published ahead of the event.
A family statement issued following Hatton’s death said: ‘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.’
Hatton had given a poignant interview just four days before his death in which he discussed his gratitude at having chosen not to take his own life during his earlier struggles with mental health problems.
In the years after his retirement, Hatton had been vocal on the subject of mental health, speaking publicly on his battles with depression and suicidal ideation, as well as substance abuse – and inspiring many with his rehabilitation journey.
But Hatton himself spoke eloquently on the subject only days before his death, with a new interview released on Monday underscoring his relief that he had not died by suicide when stalked by thoughts of taking his life during his three-year retirement between 2009 and 2012.
He told First Round TV: ‘Thankfully, I didn’t get to the stage where I ended up killing myself.
‘I got to the stage where finally for for whatever reason I decided to go and knock on someone’s door and say “please help me”.’
Hatton was also asked how he felt now, replying: ‘Never better, to be honest with you’.
‘I thank myself every day, you know, for that. I didn’t kill myself because I wouldn’t have seen me granddaughter.
‘I wouldn’t have made up with (his old trainer) Billy Graham. I wouldn’t have done my documentary, got great feedback from that.
‘I’ve done an exhibition with Marco and Tony Barrera. I went on Dancing on Ice. I probably wish I hadn’t, to be honest with you.
‘I look at the things I’ve been able to do since, you know, positive things that have inspired others, not just myself, inspired others – and that’s because I went and spoke to someone.
‘I think that’s my job today. I’m a trainer now. I want to try and pass a little bit on to somebody.
‘And if I can go and speak to someone and talk about mental health and say, “Listen, you don’t hold it in. Go and speak to someone. If you get off your chest and speak to someone, it’d be the best thing you do.”‘
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit thecalmzone.net/get-support
