Campbell Hatton testifies on father Ricky Hatton’s death
Campbell Hatton informed Stockport Coroner’s Court today that he does not believe his father Ricky Hatton planned to take his own life, reports BritPanorama.
The 24-year-old revealed that the boxing legend had already prepared his luggage for a Dubai trip scheduled for the following day. Mr Hatton had additionally arranged to see his parents upon returning from the Middle East, where he intended to finalize details for a comeback bout.
In a statement read to the court, Campbell portrayed his father as a “happy laid back chap, except when it came to sport and competition.” He described how the former world champion approached everything “at 110 per cent, in and out of the ring.” Campbell added: “He was always generous with people who he loved being around, always extremely well-loved and cherished by all of us.”
The 46-year-old was discovered unresponsive at his £1.7 million Hyde residence on the morning of 14 September by his longstanding manager and close friend Paul Speak. Mr Speak had arrived to drive Hatton to Manchester Airport for his Dubai flight.
Speaking to Boxing News after the tragedy, Mr Speak recalled: “The lights weren’t on, which I thought was strange. I thought he’d overslept, it’s not unusual. People do oversleep.” He continued: “So, I went inside I have a key shouting, ‘Rick, Rick, wake up!’ heard music coming from upstairs, so I went upstairs. I took a look at him. I had to take some time to process.”
Mr Speak described experiencing “shock and confusion and loss and many more emotions” before contacting emergency services. Family members had last seen Hatton alive on 12 September, when he reportedly appeared well.
However, Campbell acknowledged that his father had faced considerable difficulties following his retirement from professional boxing. The former champion experienced “mental health battles” alongside “issues with alcohol and cocaine,” his son told the court. Despite believing his father had been in the “best place for years,” Campbell revealed that relatives had observed a “significant decline in his short term memory” during the preceding two years.
This deterioration meant Hatton “repeated things constantly” and required written reminders about daily activities, including on the evening before his death. Mr Hatton, who received an MBE for services to sport in 2007, had previously spoken openly about experiencing suicidal thoughts and struggling with addiction.
Yet Mr Speak maintained his friend had seemed to be thriving before the tragedy, stating: “If this was 10 years ago, it wouldn’t have been as big a shock as it was.” Known as “the Hitman,” Hatton held numerous world and British titles throughout his career spanning 1997 to 2012, with his legendary 2005 victory over Kostya Tszyu in Manchester cementing his status among boxing’s elite.
Before his death, the Mancunian had been preparing for a December comeback fight against Abu Dhabi’s Eisa Al Dah, with plans to sign the contract during his Dubai visit. He had also intended to take his daughters Fearne and Millie to see Oasis, with further trips to Thailand and Tenerife scheduled.
Campbell, who retired from boxing last year, announced last month he would return to the ring for a tribute bout against Kell Brook in Dubai next month as part of the “Destiny in the Desert” event. His cousins Jack and Lola Hatton will also compete on the card.
Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.
In the shadow of tragedy, the complexities of fame and personal struggle continue to resonate, reminding us that behind the public persona lies a human story, often fraught with deeper challenges.
