Ricky Hatton’s father ‘heartbroken’ as sports legend reveals struggles
British boxing legend Ricky Hatton was found dead earlier this month at the age of just 46, with tributes pouring in from across the world of sport
Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester
Darts legend Phil Taylor says he is “absolutely devastated” at the death of Ricky Hatton, as he opened up on how the boxer’s father is struggling in the wake of the tragedy.
Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester on Sunday, September 14 at the age of just 46. The tragic news sent shockwaves through the boxing community, coming less than three months before he was due to return to the ring for the first time in 13 years.
Tributes immediately poured in for ‘The Hitman’, who held multiple world championship titles in the super-lightweight and welterweight divisions during his 15-year boxing career, and retired in 2012 as one of the best British fighters of his generation.
While he had previously opened up on his battle with depression and mental health issues, Hatton’s family were left “in shock” and “distraught” over his sudden death, adding in a statement that “to all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place”.
They added: “Richard has spoken to his family and his team in the days and weeks before the weekend. He had dinner with his girls on Friday night and Richard was not alone in life or in the days before the weekend. The outpouring of grief and love from the nation and worldwide shows how much Richard was loved. It will, in time, be something that gives us all some comfort and pride. For now, however, we would like to have a period of private and personal mourning.”
Taylor said Hatton’s death was ‘breaking his father’s heart’
Now, Taylor – who was friends with Hatton and his family – has spoken out on the tragedy and paid tribute to the late fighter, describing him as “happy-go-lucky”. Speaking to the Sun, the darts icon added that he had been contacted by Hatton’s father Ray, who has been left heartbroken by his son’s death.
“I’m gutted,” he said. “Gutted. In fact, his dad Ray texted me the other night when I was in the hotel because he hadn’t been on his phone for a few days. I understand that. It’s breaking his heart.
“I should go see him next week. He only lives round the corner from where Richard used to live. I’m absolutely devastated to be honest.”
Paying tribute to Hatton, the 65-year-old said: “Richard was just normal for me. Some people say he could be a bit shirty when he’s had a drink. I never saw it but we all can, can’t we? He was always normal with me, happy-go-lucky.
“If I did interviews with him in trainer Billy Graham’s gym he’d be squirting the water bottle down the back of my bloody neck and things like. I’d say: ‘Ricky, you swine.’ Or he’d give you a rib tickler. But he was good fun. Nice company to be with.”
Taylor has been left “absolutely devastated” by Hatton’s death
Further tributes have been paid to Hatton across boxing and beyond, with former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury writing: “Rip to the legend @rickyhatton may he rip. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this so young.”
Frank Bruno added that he was “absolutely devastated” by Hatton’s death, while Amir Khan said: “We [have] lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior”
Hatton’s former girlfriend, actress Claire Sweeney, also paid an emotional tribute as she described him as ‘the people’s champ’. In a post on Instagram, she wrote: “I’ve needed a few days to process the devastating news about my dear friend Ricky. My thoughts are with his family especially his children Campbell, Millie Fearne and Lyla, his granddaughter.
“To them, Speaky and to all his friends who loved him so deeply and for so many years I send you my deepest sympathy. Ricky, you were the people’s champ. We adored and cherished you. Love you always.”
