Campbell Hatton Breaks Silence on Dad Ricky's Death in Emotional Statement
Ricky Hatton's son Campbell has issued a heartbreaking tribute to his father following his shock death at the age of 46.
Hatton was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday with Police stating that there "are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances".
Hatton, a former two-weight world champion and one of the most recognisable faces in British boxing, was found by his long-term manager and friend, Paul Speak.
Boxing pundit Steve Bunce told the BBC that Speak had gone to Hatton's home to check on him after he failed to attend an event on Saturday night.
Hatton's family issued an emotional statement on Monday paying tribute to their "beloved son" who had "a heart as big as his smile".
They described him as a "true friend to many" who "never forgot where he came from".
Hatton's son Campbell, himself a former professional boxer, posted his own tribute to his father on Tuesday night.
"Heartbroken isn't the word," he posted on Instagram.
"Everybody has always said I was your double and never a truer word said.
Campbell added: "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 post included clips of the pair training together, enjoying nights out and singing.
A number of high-profile figures of British boxing were quick to give their support to Hatton.
Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn replied: "So sorry for your loss mate. Your dad is a special man. Stay strong."
Josh Warrington wrote: "Love to you brother."
While fellow Mancunian Anthony Crolla replied: "Thinking of u mate."
Ricky Hatton held multiple world championships in the light welterweight division, and one at welterweight, during his illustrious professional career.
He earned notable world title wins over Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo and was named Fighter of the Year by The Ring magazine, the Boxing Writers Association of America, and ESPN in 2005.
He most famously faced Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in two huge title fights in Las Vegas, which both ended in defeat for the Mancunian fighter.
Hatton last fought professionally in 2012 and was preparing to make a surprise comeback, with a fight against UAE boxer Eisa Al Dah set to take place in Dubai on December 2.
The British fighter had previously spoken about his battles with depression and addiction.
Manchester City footballer Stacey Copeland, a close friend of Hatton, was one of the last people to see the boxer alive after speaking to him on Thursday at his gym.
"He'd just finished training," she told the BBC. "Hatton was due to be in Dubai today, Monday, to sign a contract for a fight he was due to have in December against UAE fighter Eisa Al Dah.
"He was saying he had a problem with his elbow," Copeland added. "It was starting to hurt. We just had a bit of a joke, saying 'you are knocking on now Rick'. That was it.
"To say it was a shock is a massive understatement."
Topics: Ricky Hatton, Boxing
Rory O'Callaghan