Health

Ricky Hatton: Family say ex-world champion was ‘excited for future’

By Bobbie Jackson

Copyright bbc

Ricky Hatton: Family say ex-world champion was 'excited for future'

Hatton spoke about battling depression and in 2023 was the subject of a documentary in which he discussed his personal life and mental health issues.

His family said Hatton was found by friend and long-time manager Paul Speak.

Hatton won 45 of his 48 professional bouts during a 15-year career and was world champion at light-welterweight and welterweight.

He last fought professionally in 2012 and was due to fight Eisa Al Dah on 2 December in Dubai.

Organisers said it would be a professional bout, but it was unclear whether it would be fully sanctioned.

The family said: “His bag was packed ready to go to Dubai to promote a comeback fight and he was planning a celebration in Dubai, which his beloved girls Millie and Fearne were to be the centre of.

“He was excited that they would see him fight for the first time in person. He was a doting grandfather and loved spending time with Campbell and Lydia.”

Hatton’s family asked for a “period of private and personal mourning” and said details of a memorial service will likely follow.