Campbell Hatton, son of the late boxing champion Ricky Hatton, has shared his deeply personal perspective on losing his father, stating that while the world mourned a legendary fighter, he simply lost 'my dad'. Speaking ahead of a special tribute event, he reflected on the overwhelming public outpouring of grief that saw tens of thousands line the streets of Manchester for the funeral.
An Overwhelming Tribute
Campbell described the funeral procession as 'something else', noting that the three-hour journey from Hyde to Manchester city centre was lined with mourners every step of the way. 'There just wasn’t part of the route that wasn’t full of people. We couldn’t see one bit of pavement in the three hours we were in the car. We knew how popular he was, but to actually see it, was something else,' he said. The support from the public has continued, with strangers stopping the family in the street to offer condolences and check on their wellbeing.
Celebrating a Legacy
On June 7, the AO Arena will host 'Evening4Ricky', a celebration of the former world champion’s life and career. Campbell explained that the event will be 'exactly what he would be doing – he’d be having a party'. While acknowledging it will be an emotional night, he stressed that it doesn't have to be sad. The event aims to raise awareness for mental health and funds for related charities, a cause close to Ricky's heart.
Mental Health Advocacy
Campbell spoke candidly about the importance of mental health support, revealing that he has faced his own struggles and recently lost a close friend to suicide. 'I've had my own battles leading up to my dad dying. I heard it all the time that you should be talking, but to get yourself there... doing it is the hard bit. Once you're there it's easy, and it helps. It works,' he said. He noted that his father saw promoting mental health as his purpose after boxing, and the family intends to continue that mission.
A Private Grief
While grateful for the public support, Campbell admitted that the family has struggled to grieve privately. 'As a family we've not been able to grieve with any privacy,' he said. Yet he finds solace in the kindness of others: 'That's the blessing behind it.' Ricky Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde on September 14, with a provisional cause of death of hanging. An inquest concluded that while he carried out the acts leading to his death, there was insufficient evidence to confirm intent to take his own life.
