RICKY HATTON’s son has said that the boxing legend appeared to be in a good place before his tragic death last month.
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.
But 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.
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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.”
