Taylor says Ricky Hatton’s father is 'broken-hearted' after boxer's death

Darts legend Phil Taylor has opened up about the toll Ricky Hatton's death has taken on Hatton's father, Ray, saying he is “broken-hearted” and has been struggling to cope in the days after his son’s passing. Hatton, the former world champion known as The Hitman, was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, last Sunday. Police said there were no signs of foul play and the death is not being treated as suspicious. In the wake of the tragedy, tributes from across the sporting world have poured in for the Stockport fighter and his family.

Taylor, a longtime friend of Hatton, spoke to The Sun about Ray Hatton’s condition, revealing that Ray has been off his phone for several days and that the heartache has consumed him. “I’m gutted. Gutted,” Taylor said. “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. 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.”

Taylor, who could not always attend Hatton’s fights because of his own darts commitments, described the boxing star’s discipline and the close bond he shared with his father. “Once Ricky got a time and date for a boxing fight, he was like a monk,” Taylor recalled. “He was so disciplined.” He added a memory of Hatton’s training routines around his family home: a pub nearby, a McDonald’s at the top of the road, and Hatton’s daily rituals that included extra miles and weighing in with his dad watching over him. “Right, let’s see how much you’ve dropped, son,” Ray would tell him, followed by a simple reward: “Right you can have some milk in your coffee.” This anecdote underscores the strong, supportive dynamic Hatton had with his parents, who issued a statement describing him as a “loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many.”

The family’s tribute framed Hatton not only as a world champion in the ring but as a man whose heart guided his generosity outside it. They noted that he wore his heart on his sleeve and that his legacy would endure beyond his championships, a sentiment echoed by other figures who knew him well.

Hatton’s death has prompted condolences from across boxing and beyond. The police statement and family note emphasized that Hatton’s passing leaves a void in the boxing community, with many colleagues and fans reflecting on his achievements, his charisma, and the dedication that defined his career. Hatton rose to prominence during a era when he faced elite opponents and built a global following, eventually retiring as one of the sport’s most recognizable figures.

Taylor’s reflections on Hatton’s father also shed light on the human side of a sport that often highlights triumphs and titles. The darts legend’s comments illustrate the personal toll that a sports star’s death can have on family members who shared a long, intimate history with the athlete. While authorities investigate the circumstances, the family’s respect for Ricky Hatton’s memory remains central to the public narrative, as fans and fellow competitors alike commemorate a fighter who connected with audiences through both his skill and his vulnerability.

As tributes continue to pour in, Ray Hatton’s plight underscores the broader question of how families cope with sudden losses at a time when public attention can be overwhelming. For Ray Hatton, the path forward remains unclear, but the outpouring of support from the boxing world and beyond offers a measure of comfort amid the grief. The sporting community will continue to remember Hatton not only for the titles he earned but for the relationships he fostered and the example he set in balancing discipline, perseverance, and family.