RICKY Hatton’s son Campbell has made a statement following his dad’s tragic death.
The boxing icon, 46, was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
GettyCampbell Hatton (L) has broken his silence over his dad’s death[/caption]
InstagramHe made an emotional tribute to his dad[/caption]
InstagramBoxing icon Ricky Hatton died on Sunday[/caption]
GettyCampbell and Ricky Hatton at a public workout in 2024[/caption]
On Tuesday, Campbell said on social media: “Heartbroken isn’t the word.”
The devastated former boxer said of his late dad: “Everybody has always said I was your double and never a truer word said.”
Campbell’s emotional tribute continued: “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 Instagram post also came with heartwarming clips of the pair enjoying nights out, hugging each other and singing together.
Hatton won world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweight and traded blows with some of history’s greatest fighters.
His death came months after he announced his return to boxing with a fight against Eisa Al Dah planned in Dubai in December.
On Monday, Hatton’s family broke their silence and released a collective statement.
They 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.”
The statement continued: “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.”
The Hatton family also described the renowned fighter as a “man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it”.
And they said that the loss was “immeasurable”.
It comes as tributes continue to pour in for the late icon.
Cops revealed they were called by a member of the public to attend the scene on Sunday at 6.45am, where they “found the body of a 46-year-old man”.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it did not believe there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding Ricky’s death.
Shutterstock EditorialRicky and Campbell Hatton pictured in 2022[/caption]
InstagramCampbell is also a former boxer[/caption]
GettyRicky pictured with Campbell in 2016[/caption]
And it has now been revealed that Ricky was discovered by his long-term manager and close pal Paul Speak.
The Mail claims Hatton was “battling injury and grief” after a close friend killed himself in August.
It’s claimed pal David Leigh took his own life without warning.
The Mail says Hatton attended Leigh’s funeral just days before his own tragic death.
And the boxing legend paid an emotional tribute on social media at the time.
Hatton said: “We say our last goodbye to our mate dave leigh today. I wish you could have reached out to us mate. There was so many there for you. Give you a top send off today. See you shortly. Rick.”
During a glittering 15-year career, Hatton beat ring greats such as Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo.
InstagramCampbell with his dad Ricky Hatton in March[/caption]
GettyCampbell said he looked up to his dad in every aspect of life[/caption]
He went on to suffer knockout losses to superstars Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009.
Former champ Amir Khan, who is from nearby Bolton, credited pal Hatton as being a major inspiration
He said: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.”
The tragedy also came just days after Hatton sent a heartfelt message to a bullying victim – urging the boy to “keep your chin up”.
He told the youngster, called Louie, to keep going to boxing training to gain confidence.
Ricky told him: “I believe you’ve been having a tough time at school by a couple of bullies. Even I had a bully when I was at school.
“You’ve done the right thing taking up boxing, not to get your own back and beat him up, but boxing gives you confidence, doesn’t it?
“And the minute these bullies see you’ve got a little bit of confidence, they’ll leave you alone.”
Ricky Hatton’s biggest boxing wins
By Jack Figg
Paulie Malignaggi, November 2008
In his first fight since splitting with long-time trainer Billy Graham, Hatton dominated Malignaggi in one of his best displays of boxing.
Coached by Floyd Mayweather Sr, Hatton would earn a 2009 fight with Manny Pacquiao, which ended in a horrifying KO loss.
Luis Collazo, June 2007
Hatton dropped the veteran American in the opening seconds of round one and looked on course for a demolition job.
But he was taken to the brink over 12 rounds but held on to victory – earning him a super-fight with Floyd Mayweather six months later.
Kostya Tszyu, June 2005
Russian-born Aussie Tszyu was behind only Floyd Mayweather in the pound-for-pound rankings when he travelled to Manchester.
And Hatton pulled off a career-best win to stop Tszyu in the 11th round of what was a brutal war. He became light-welterweight world champ.
Eamonn Magee, June 2002
Hatton was dropped by the Irishman and looked to be on the brink of defeat.
But he got to his feet and rallied back to win over 12 rounds – showcasing his trademark grit and determination.
Jon Thaxton, October 2000
Hatton had to overcome a nasty cut – not for the first time in his career – to edge out a points win.
It won him the British light-welterweight title.
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