RICKY Hatton’s son has opened up on the iconic boxer’s funeral wishes made before his “heartbreaking” death.
The 46-year-old British legend was found
Campbell Hatton and his dad Ricky Hatton MBE
The 46-year-old British boxing legend was found dead at his home earlier this month
at his £1.75million mansion in Hyde, , just before 7am with his death not thought to be suspicious.
flooded in from all over the world for fan favourite and working class hero Ricky — one of the biggest personalities in .
Now, his son Campbell has revealed how his father’s death left the family “knocked for six”.
Speaking to ITV he said: “We are absolutely heartbroken…it was so unexpected.
“We had so many plans coming up, so it has knocked us for six, but obviously we are trying to be there for each other.”
Asked if he wanted a large turnout for his dad’s funeral, Campbell revealed: “That’s exactly what he would have wanted. He sees his biggest achievement as his fanbase, and that’s what he was most proud of.
“So what he’d want would be the streets to be full of people…because everything he did, he did for his fans.”
Devastated Campbell added that the family had been getting some comfort from watching video clips of his father’s life on social media, showing his boxing achievements and also his sense of humour.
Just days before his, Hatton
It was exactly the sort of selfless thing the former super-light and welterweight Hall-of-Famer was known for, especially after battling his own demons.
Hatton wrestled with depression and addiction problems after his 2007 loss to and again after the brutal 2009 defeat to Manny Pacquiao.
But he could walk into any local pub or stadium and be cheered to the rafters and never have to pay for a pint of Guinness.
That unshakeable working-class attitude set him apart from so many sports and showbiz celebrities and – even after his incredible 2005 world title win over pound-for-pound No1 Kostya Tszyu – it never left him.
Ricky’s death also comes months after he announced his return to boxing with a fight against planned in on December 2 — 13 years after an ill-fated comeback against .
Ricky won world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweight and traded blows with some of history’s greatest fighters during a glittering 15-year career.
In his prime, he beat ring greats such as Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, before going on to suffer knockout losses to superstars in 2007 and in 2009.
He will be remembered as one of the greatest UK fighters of his generation.
Ricky was awarded an MBE in 2007 and had worked as a boxing promoter and trainer since hanging up his gloves.
Manchester band paid tribute to Ricky when they returned to London’s Stadium for a second round of gigs as part of their reunion tour.
During hit track Live Forever, the Gallagher brothers had the boxer’s image being projected onto the huge screens behind them as they performed.
Noel and Liam were also pals with Ricky, and Noel – who recently – was seen turning towards the screens as he played his guitar to acknowledge his departed friend.
The band’s official social media accounts then shared the moment with the caption: “For Ricky” with a blue love heart.
Hatton celebrates after beating Aldo Rios during the WBU Light Welterweight Championship of the World at the MEN Arena on September 27, 2003 in Manchester
Ricky at The PFA Awards 2025 at The Opera house Theatre in Manchester 
