Campbell Hatton pays tribute after father Ricky Hatton found dead at 46

Ricky Hatton’s son Campbell has posted an emotional tribute after the former world champion boxer was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, officials and family sources said. Hatton, 46, was discovered on Sunday; police said the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Campbell, 24, wrote on Instagram that "Heartbroken isn't the word," and called himself his father's "double," saying he had "looked up to you in every aspect of life" and that he would miss "the laughs we had and all the good times which I will remember forever. Just can’t believe we won’t have anymore. Love you dad."

Family members, including Hatton's parents and his younger brother Matthew, also paid tribute. Mourners from across the sporting world offered condolences after the news of his death, recalling a career that turned Hatton from a domestic contender into a global attraction.

Hatton, nicknamed "The Hitman," captured multiple British and world titles during a professional career that peaked between 1997 and 2012. He achieved international prominence when he upset Kostya Tszyu, a result that transformed him from underdog to sensation. In later years he concentrated on coaching and remained a high-profile figure in British boxing. He was awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2007.

Campbell Hatton, one of three children from Hatton’s relationship with former partner Jennifer Dooley, had followed his father into the ring. The younger Hatton fought on the undercard of Anthony Joshua's bout with Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and compiled 14 professional victories before his final two defeats. He retired from boxing about two months ago after struggling with the emotional fallout from the death of a close friend.

In recent weeks Ricky Hatton had announced plans to return to the ring, with a fight scheduled in Dubai in December, according to people familiar with his plans. Friends said they grew concerned when Hatton missed a gym session on Friday and did not attend a fight in Bolton on Saturday involving one of his fighters, believed to be Jack Murphy.

Hatton had publicly acknowledged long-standing battles with mental health issues and drug addiction. His friend and boxing pundit Steve Bunce said on Sunday that Hatton "was in a really good place" and had been "facing, attacking and solving" his addictions.

Greater Manchester Police were notified and carried out inquiries; they have not declared the death suspicious. Further details, including the cause of death, had not been released by authorities as of Tuesday evening.

Tributes from fellow fighters, promoters and broadcasters continued to appear on social media and in statement releases following the announcement. Hatton's rise from local boxer to multiple-title holder and popular media figure had made him one of the most recognised names in British boxing, and his death prompted widespread reflection on his career and public struggles.

Campbell Hatton's Instagram message and other family statements underscored the personal loss felt by those close to the boxer, who remained an influential presence in the sport through coaching and occasional public appearances. Officials and family representatives did not immediately provide further comment beyond the tributes and the police statement.