Campbell Hatton has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Ricky Hatton, who died at his home on Sunday at the age of 46. The former world champion, known as 'The Hitman', had been planning a comeback to the ring later this year, with a bout against Eisah Al Dah scheduled for his first professional fight since November 2012.
In a social media post on Tuesday evening, Campbell wrote: "Heartbroken isn't the word. Everybody has always said I was your double and never a truer word said. 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 any more. Love you Dad."
The Hatton family released a statement on Monday describing their loss as "immeasurable". They 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."
Ricky Hatton, a multiple-weight world champion, faced some of boxing's greatest names, including Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao. His family added: "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."
Messages of condolence have been left outside his home in Hyde and across social media. The family asked for privacy as they come to terms with their loss, noting that his legacy "will continue to live on".
