The son of the legendary British boxer Ricky Hatton reveals that his sudden passing has deeply shocked the family, especially as they were discussing ‘so many plans.’  

Known affectionately as ‘The Hitman,’ the former world light-welterweight and welterweight champion was discovered deceased at his residence in Hyde, Greater Manchester, by his friend and manager, Paul Speak, last month.

His death at the age of 46 is not being treated as suspicious.

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.’

Manchester City, a team dear to Hatton, arranged a tribute before their match against Burnley last Saturday, with family members, including his son Campbell, present at the Etihad Stadium.

Ricky Hatton’s son Campbell has been speaking about his father’s death at the age of 46

Campbell paid tribute to his father and ‘double’ Ricky Hatton after his death last month

Ricky Hatton’s son Campbell fought back the tears as Manchester City paid tribute to his late father on Saturday

City unveiled a tifo featuring Hatton wearing City shorts and the words: ‘The people’s champion’

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.

Campbell, like his father, had a promising boxing career but chose to retire just two months ago, affected by the emotional strain from losing one of his closest friends.

In an interview with ITV News, Campbell shared that his father often referred to him as ‘his little Mini-Me,’ emphasizing their similarities and close relationship, full of banter.

‘Many knew him as Ricky Hatton the boxer, but to me, he was my dad, and to the family, he was Richard. We are struggling to come to terms with it right now.’

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.

Campbell Hatton, pictured here with Ricky in May 2022, has told of how his late father ‘used to call me his little Mini-Me’

Ricky Hatton shared his gratitude at having survived earlier battles with suicidal ideation just days before his tragic passing

Hatton had been vocal about his mental health battles (he is pictured here in October 2001)

‘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.

Fans have been laying flowers and personal tributes outside Hatton’s house since his death

Hatton’s friend and manager Paul Speak shared his shock and confusion at finding him 

Ricky Hatton is seen here with his young son Campbell at his gym in Hyde, near Manchester, during training three days before his title fight with Justin Rowsell in December 2001

‘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