Tributes are continuing to flood in after Ricky Hatton tragically died aged 46. The boxing legend was found dead in his Greater Manchester home on Sunday morning.
Greater Manchester Police has confirmed that a body has been found and said that the death is not being treated as suspicious. The Stockport born fighter was the dad to three children, and his eldest son followed in his footsteps to become a boxer. Campbell made his professional debut in the lightweight division with a points victory over Jesus Ruiz in 2021.
He went on to win his first 14 first fights, with his last victory coming in Liverpool when Jamie Sampson was disqualified for persistent holding. However, he made the abrupt decision to retire from the ring after two losses to James Flint.
Campbell had hired his legendary dad to be his trainer before his decision to step away from the ring. Ricky revealed he had made the decision as he was dealing with a personal tragedy.
He told Boxing Now: “Campbell won’t fight again. As you know, he didn’t have much amateur experience. He gave it a go in the amateurs, and then he went pro and gave it a go. He fought for the Area title and got beaten.
“I thought he lost it to be fair, but then he fought the same lad straight away after. I thought he won the second one. They were both very close fights.
“But he lost a little bit of his mojo, and then a few things went wrong. Sadly, he lost one of his best friends, Justin, who passed away at 27 years of age.”
Ricky also paid tribute to Justin on his Instagram channels in a post issued last April. He said: “What a send off today for our friend & Campbell’s best friend Justin. The love his mates, friends, family & everyone who ever came across this young man was there to see today.
“In the droves. Far too young to leave us. Campbell got up to say a few words & his speech was touching & got me. You done so well to get it out son. I know how much you loved him. Also to hear the readings from his sister & all his mates & then his dad Alan who passed away the week after Justin was also a tough one for everyone to listen too.
“The family have to go through it all next week with Alan’s passing. Very tough for the family but I know you’ll do it & everyone’s behind you. Love with the family today. Justin R.I.P son. Ricky. X”
Hatton’s family has issued a heartbroken statement to pay tribute after the boxing legend’s death. The statement 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. 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. To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.
“He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.”
The statement added: “As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.
“It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.
“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy – both in boxing and as a man – will continue to live on.
“Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly. With love and gratitude, The Hatton Family.”