Campbell Hatton recently opened up about the heart-wrenching experience of losing his father, Ricky Hatton, and the emotional struggle of even considering returning to the home where his father passed away. The young boxer is grappling with the overwhelming grief following the tragic death of his father, a boxing legend.
Ricky Hatton, aged 46, was discovered in his £1.7 million residence located in Hyde, Greater Manchester, by his long-time manager and friend, Paul Speak. The discovery was made on September 14, leaving the boxing community and his family in deep sorrow.
The inquest into Hatton’s passing revealed that he was last seen alive by his family on September 12. Just two days later, Paul Speak arrived at the home to escort Hatton to Manchester Airport for an upcoming fight. Tragically, he found the champion unresponsive.
The funeral, held at Manchester Cathedral, saw a massive turnout, with thousands gathering to pay their respects. Among the mourners were notable figures such as Tyson Fury, Liam Gallagher, Wayne Rooney, and Andrew Flintoff, all there to honor the memory of the celebrated boxer.
However, the boxing legend was discovered ‘unresponsive’.
Last week, thousands attended his funeral at Manchester Cathedral with the likes of Tyson Fury, Liam Gallagher, Wayne Rooney and Andrew Flintoff in attendance.
In a recent interview with The Times, the boxer’s grieving son opened up about struggling to even step into his father’s home following his death.
Reflecting on how ‘busy’ Mr Hatton was just days before, Campbell forced a laugh as he looked through the hordes of clothes his father had ordered from China.
‘He was the best any of us have ever seen him,’ Campbell said, describing his father as calming with age.
Ricky Hatton ‘s son Campbell has revealed he cannot bear to step into the home where is father died in the aftermath of his tragic passing
The boxing champion, 46, was found by his long-time manager and friend Paul Speak in his £1.7million home in Hyde, Greater Manchester on September 14
The 24-year-old recalled how his father was spending more time with his sisters, Mille, 13, and Fearne, 12 as well as Campbell’s own daughter, Lyla, seven.
Speaking of his father looking forward to the future, he added: ‘When he was really in his dark place, it would’ve been just as heartbreaking, but it wouldn’t have been as much of a shock.’
Holding back tears, Campbell spoke of his father’s unwavering support as he struggled with back issues which limited his boxing to a regional level.
As a result, the 24-year-old turned to a career in solar panel fitting, which he said didn’t bother his father who was more concerned about his happiness.
‘He was always looking out for me,’ Campbell added.
The heartbroken son has been coping with a great deal of loss so far this year having already lost two friends, one of which had taken their own life.
However, he said its his father’s openness about his mental health struggles that has made it easier for him to reach out for support.
And following his father’s death, the family began a charity, the Ricky Hatton Foundation, which was previously an idea the father and son had discussed.
On Friday, Campbell provided an update on how his family where coping following his father’s death as well as speaking on the outpour of support they have received.
‘Yeah it’s been a bit of a whirlwind the last few weeks,’ he said. ‘Obviously, we’ve been leading up to the funeral, which was unbelievable to see the amount of love everyone had for my dad.
‘There were thousands in the streets, and there was a lot of comfort to take from that.
‘It has been very up and down, really, but just as a family, we’re trying to take each day at a time, really.’
Reflecting on the love shown for Ricky at his funeral, Campbell added: ‘He always said he was more proud of his fanbase than all the belts and his titles.
‘Surprised is probably the wrong word because it was obvious how much he was loved by the amount of people that followed him all over the world to watch him box.
‘To actually see everyone in the streets, it was a very long route that we went down, and there was never a point where the streets weren’t full. To actually see it in terms of the amount of people, it was surreal really.’
Speaking ahead of his father’s funeral earlier this month, Campbell had paid a similarly heartfelt tribute.
‘We are absolutely heartbroken – it was so unexpected,’ Campbell told ITV.
‘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.’
‘He used to call me his little Mini-Me. 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.’
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
