Campbell Hatton, son of Ricky Hatton, has delivered a heartfelt tribute following the devastating death of the former world boxing champion on Sunday morning. Hatton was found dead at his residence aged 46.
The Hitman had endured numerous mental health struggles during his career, yet had been preparing for a comeback to the ring later this year. Following his rise as one of Britain’s most beloved fighters, Hatton faced Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, suffering defeats in both contests.
In recent times, he had overcome his battles with depression and returned to the gymnasium to coach fighters. On Tuesday evening, Campbell turned to social media to share a deeply personal tribute to his departed father. “Heartbroken isn’t the word,” he wrote.
“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.”
The former boxer’s moving words followed the Hatton family’s statement released on Monday. “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard,” the statement read.
“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.
“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.”
Messages of condolence have been flooding in outside Hatton’s residence in Hyde and across social media platforms following confirmation of his passing. The circumstances surrounding how Hatton – who was raised in a public house on the Hattersley council estate – met his end remained unclear, though police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.