TRAGIC boxing champ Ricky Hatton built a property empire to leave a £40million legacy for his three children.
Documents reveal he used his fight earnings to finance a string of businesses.
Ricky Hatton left a £40million legacy for his three childrenCredit: PA
Ricky with son Campbell, who is now raising awareness for mental health issuesCredit: Social media – Refer to source
Ricky with his kids Campbell, Millie, and Fearne, as well as his grandkidCredit: X
Many are connected to property investments in freehold and leasehold flats, developments and houses in his home town of Hyde, Greater , and further afield in Leicestershire, and .
Hatton’s investments mean his children Campbell, 24, Millie, 13, and Fearne, 12, have a secure financial future.
A source said: “Many, many boxers finish the fight game and end up either going bankrupt, or find that they’ve not got as much as they thought.
“Ricky was determined to ensure that he had a financial legacy from his incredible career and he’s boxed clever with his investments.
“Everyone who knew and loved Ricky would give anything to have him back. But during his life he’s done a great job of providing for the people he loved the most — his children.”
Made a fortune
fan Ricky, who took his own life in September aged 46, won world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight and traded blows with some of the greatest fighters in a 15-year career.
In his prime, he beat ring greats such as Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, before going on to suffer knock-out losses to superstars Jnr in 2007 and in 2009.
Ricky, who was awarded an MBE in 2007, made a fortune from his career in the ring and appears to have ploughed a substantial part of it into the property market.
He was a director of more than 20 firms. He even set up his own “internal bank” called DHT Finance, which lent cash to his other businesses to hoover up property.
The main vehicle for his earnings was Punch Promotions Ltd, which had equity of more than £16million when he died.
Ricky also owned his £1.75million home in Gee Cross, Gtr Manchester, and a state-of-the-art boxing gym in the town of Hyde.
But the star
In October his family and friends launched a foundation in his name to help others with similar problems and said: “It’s OK to talk.”
They urged people not to suffer in silence as the opening of an inquest into his death revealed the likely cause was hanging.
Ricky was found dead at his home by long-time manager Paul Speak, who arrived to pick him up as the pair were due to fly to to promote a fight.
Because it’s in my dad’s name a lot more men will feel comfortable . . . and will talk a little bit more openly.
Ricky's son Campbell on the foundation
He had last been seen by his family on September 12 and was said to have appeared well.
But the following day he failed to attend a Bolton event featuring one of his young boxers.
Ricky had been due to fly to the for promotional work ahead of a comeback fight on December 2.
A full is scheduled for March 20.
saw hundreds of celebs such as boxing champ , singer and Stone Roses bassist Gary “Mani” Mounfield pack Manchester Cathedral for an emotional farewell.
Ricky owned his £1.75million home in Gee Cross, Gtr ManchesterCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
Ricky also owned a state-of-the-art boxing gym in the town of HydeCredit: Alamy
Paying tribute to her dad, Ricky’s daughter Millie heartbreakingly asked why he did not seek help before he died.
She said: “I can’t help but wonder why. Why did you feel that way? Why didn’t you reach out about how you felt? Everyone else and I will forever wonder about those questions.”
And his son Campbell has since become a powerful advocate for issues.
Appearing on Good Morning, he said there was “still a stigma for blokes talking about their mental health”, adding: “I think people still see it as a bit of a weakness, which the foundation is looking to change and because it’s in my dad’s name a lot more men will feel comfortable . . . and will talk a little bit more openly.”
Raising funds and awareness
Samaritans boss Julie Bentley said: “Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 but it can be prevented and we can all play our part in ensuring it is.
“One in four people will experience suicidal thoughts but asking for help shouldn’t be scary — it’s silence that is the toughest opponent of hope. Don’t be silent, don’t try and cope alone.”
Ricky’s foundation aims to raise funds and awareness to provide access to mental health services, community programmes and educational campaigns across sport.
Ricky’s funeral saw hundreds of celebs attend to bid farewell to the boxing champCredit: PA
Ricky used his fight earnings to finance a string of businessesCredit: Getty
Its website states: “Together, we can make sure no fighter fights alone.”
A JustGiving page to raise cash for the foundation has already reached £28,000.
An post for the foundation added: “Ricky inspired millions with his courage, honesty, and heart.
“Away from the lights, he also spoke openly about — reminding us that even the toughest fighters can struggle.
“Through this foundation, we aim to turn that honesty into hope, helping others find the support they need when the fight feels hardest.”
- To donate to the Ricky Hatton Foundation, visit https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rickyhattonfoundationdonations
MEGA-MONEY BOUTS
By
RICKY Hatton made his professional fight debut with a win against Colin McAuley in Widnes in 1997.
His first title came in 1999 when he defeated Dillon Carew for the WBO light-welterweight crown.
In 2005, he clinched an IBF title by stopping Russian Kostya Tszyu.
The Manchester fight catapulted him to stardom and came with a hefty purse — leading to multi-million pound earnings in subsequent fights.
In 2007 Hatton knocked out Mexican star Jose Luis Castillo to win another title and a prize pot of £2.8million.
The same year, he lost to US slugger Floyd Mayweather Jnr in Las Vegas but still collected around £7.4million.
And in 2009 Ricky is said to have pocketed at least £6million despite another Las Vegas loss to Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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