Campbell Hatton has spoken out for the first time since the devastating death of his father, Ricky Hatton — describing the family’s heartbreak and revealing the beloved boxing icon’s poignant funeral wishes.
The former two-weight world champion, known affectionately as “The Hitman”, was found dead at his home in Hyde on the morning of Sunday, September 14. He was just 46.
While the cause of death remains unconfirmed, police are not treating it as suspicious.
In an emotional interview with Granada Reports, Campbell, 24, said the Hatton family has been “knocked for six” by the sudden loss.
“We are absolutely heartbroken… it was so unexpected,” he said. “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.”
Despite their grief, Campbell said the outpouring of support from fans around the world has been a source of comfort.
“The outpouring of support from absolutely everyone has been amazing, so that’s helping us through a lot, but yes, [we are] absolutely heartbroken,” Campbell continued.
Campbell, himself a former professional boxer, shared a close bond with his father. Their likeness — physically and emotionally — was something Ricky often celebrated.
“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,” he said of his late father. “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.”
Since Ricky’s death, the family have been finding some solace in watching videos of his boxing career and his lighter, more humorous moments online.
Hatton’s influence extended far beyond the ring. His down-to-earth personality and working-class charm made him a hero to many, both in and out of sport. Even at the height of his fame, after wins over legends like Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, he never strayed far from his Manchester roots.
That connection is reflected in the plans for his funeral.
The cortege on Friday, October 10, will begin in Gee Cross — the area he called home — before winding through Hyde, passing key personal landmarks, and heading toward Manchester Cathedral for a memorial service. From there, it will continue to the Etihad Stadium — the home of Ricky’s beloved Manchester City.
Campbell says his father would have wanted fans to turn out in full force.
“That’s exactly what he would have wanted. He sees his biggest achievement as his fanbase, and that’s what he was most proud of,” Campbell said. “So what he’d want would be the streets to be full of people… because everything he did, he did for his fans.”
Hatton’s daughters, Fearne and Millie, his niece Lola, and granddaughter Lyla were recently honoured as mascots at the Etihad during City’s match against Burnley — a gesture Campbell says meant the world to the family.
Ricky was also a lifelong Oasis fan. During their recent Wembley Stadium performance, the band dedicated their classic Live Forever to him — projecting his image onto the stage’s massive screens. The Gallagher brothers, close friends of Hatton’s, shared the tribute online with a simple message: “For Ricky.”
Oasis would go on to dedicate their song ‘Live Forever’ to the boxer on their September 27 and 28 shows at Wembley Stadium.
Hatton’s passing comes just months after he had announced a return to the ring, with a December 2 bout in Dubai against Eisa Al Dah — 13 years after his last professional comeback. His career, spanning 15 years, saw him collect world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight, take on the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, and earn an MBE in 2007.
But beyond the belts and accolades, Ricky Hatton will be remembered for his humour, humility, and heart — the man who could walk into any pub in Manchester and never have to buy his own Guinness.
In one of his final acts before his death, The Sun reports that Hatton sent an encouraging video to a bullied 10-year-old boy — a quiet reminder of the kindness that defined him.
He was, and always will be, a people’s champion. Our thoughts continue to go out to Ricky’s family, friends, and fans at this time.
Featured image credit: Instagram/@campbellhatton
