RICKY Hatton’s brother has spoken out for the first time since the legend’s death.
Matthew Hatton, 44, opened up about how he always worried about his brother, but never thought he would take his own life.
He told ITV, in an emotional sit-down interview: “I don’t think we ever did [think he would take his own life].
“I’ll be honest, I’ve always worried. I spoke with my partner all the time [about him] and we did worry a lot about Richard, obviously [with him] doing a lot of interviews and stuff like that.
“I’d listen and I was never really convinced by what he was saying.”
Matthew said he thought Hatton “didn’t seem to have a purpose now” or a “vision” for the future, which sparked concern.
“But genuinely, this year is undoubtedly the best he’s ever been by a long, long way because he had his problems since he stopped boxing,” he continued.
The 44-year-old said news of his brother’s death “really was a shock” and unexpected by the family.
Matthew also explained how Hatton hadn’t reached out to him before the tragedy – but put this down to the former boxer’s busy schedule.
He said he’d been comforted by the fact his brother was in contact with professionals “on a regular basis”.
The grieving sibling confessed he still hasn’t processed the tragedy.
After first learning of the news, Matthew said he went to be with his parents and shut off from the outside world.
“It felt like a bad dream. Has it hit me yet fully? I don’t know, probably not,” Matthew added.
Hatton leaves behind son Campbell, daughters Fearne and Millie as well as granddaughter Lyla.
An inquest heard Hatton was found hanged at his home in Hyde.
His family revealed they have set up a charity in his name to help others.
Hatton was memorialised last week as thousands of mourners came out to celebrate the life of ‘The People’s Champion’ in his home city of Manchester.
His son Campbell, 24, said his father was the best that he had seen him in the months leading up to his death, making his sudden passing that much more of a shock for the grieving family.
He opened up about life in the wake of his father’s passing in a heartfelt interview with The Times.
He said: “He was the best any of us have ever seen him. He had mellowed with age. He wasn’t going out on crazy drinking benders.
“He was spending loads of time with his girls (Millie, 13, and Fearne, 12) and Lyla, (Campbell’s daughter, 7).
“He was dead busy with stuff in the gym. He had loads he was looking forward to.
“When he was really in his dark place, it would’ve been just as heartbreaking, but it wouldn’t have been as much of a shock.”
Hatton was 46 when he was found dead at his home in Manchester on September 14th.
The news emerged just weeks after the fighter announced a blockbuster comeback fight.
His funeral service was held at Manchester Cathedral, with his procession accentuated by the sky blue of his beloved Manchester City, and ending at their Etihad Stadium.
Celebrity figures from across the worlds of sport and entertainment came to pay their respects, including Wayne Rooney, Tyson Fury and Noel Gallagher.
Campbell said of the day: “It was great to see all the people at the funeral showing their support.
“But I’m glad it’s out of the way now so we can start, as a family, trying to – we’ll never get over it – but start healing.”
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
