Campbell Hatton hopes his family can begin healing following his father's death last month. The 24-year-old helped carry Ricky Hatton's coffin at the boxing legend's funeral at Manchester Cathedral last week, after an inquest heard the 46-year-old was found hanged at his home in Hyde.
Speaking about the star-studded funeral, which saw celebrities including Liam Gallagher, Wayne Rooney and Andrew Flintoff pay their respects, Campbell said: "It was great to see all the people at the funeral showing their support. But I'm glad it's out of the way now so we can start, as a family, trying to… we'll never get over it… but start healing."
Manager Paul Speak discovered the former world champion, known as The Hitman, unresponsive at his £1.7million home where he lived alone on September 14. The Daily Mail reports Tyson Fury also attended the funeral, highlighting the boxing community's support.
Family's shock at timing
Campbell revealed his father was in the best state the family had seen him before his death. The former boxer said: "He had mellowed with age. He wasn't going out on crazy drinking benders. He was spending loads of time with his girls [Millie, 13, and Fearne, 12] and Lyla, [Campbell's seven-year-old daughter]."
Ricky had been busy with gym work and had plenty to look forward to, making his death more shocking for the family. Campbell explained: "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."
The family has established the Ricky Hatton Foundation charity in his memory to help others. However, Campbell admits he still cannot face entering the home where his father died, having struggled with his own boxing career due to back problems and now working in solar panel fitting, according to the Daily Mail.
Lasting legacy
Campbell reflected on his striking resemblance to his father, saying friends often comment it's like Ricky is still there. He said: "Everyone said we were like carbon copies. It's crazy how similar we were. He was down to earth. That's what people liked. But he knew how proud everyone was of him and he knew how loved he was as well."
Ricky Hatton had previously spoken openly about his struggles with drink, drugs and mental health battles throughout his life.
Sources used: "Mirror", "Manchester Evening News", "Daily Mail" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
