Ricky Hatton sadly passed away on Sunday morning, with the world of sport paying tribute to a boxing icon – and his son Campbell has now shared a post on social media

Campbell Hatton, son of Ricky Hatton, has paid a touching tribute following the tragic death of the former world boxing champion on Sunday morning.

Hatton was found dead at his home aged 46. The Hitman had fought a series of mental health battles throughout his career, but had been planning a return to the ring later this year.

After becoming one of Britain’s most popular fighters, Hatton fought Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, losing both. Recently, he had emerged from struggles with depression and returned to the gym to train fighters.

On Tuesday night, Campbell took to social media to release a personal tribute to his passed father. “Heartbroken isn’t the word,” he wrote. “Everybody has always said I was your double and never a truer word said.

“Looked up to you in every aspect of life. Can’t explain how much I’m going to 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.”

The former boxer’s emotional words came after the Hatton family released their statement on Monday. “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard,” the statement read.

“Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many. He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
Ricky Hatton shared the ring with a number of fellow boxing greats ( 
Image:
Getty)
“To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it. He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.

“As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support. It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.

Ricky Hatton with his lookalike son Campbell Hatton ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy — both in boxing and as a man — will continue to live on. Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.”

Tributes have been pouring in outside Hatton’s home in Hyde and on social media since the news of his death. It still remained unclear how Hatton – who grew up in a pub on the Hattersley council estate – died but police said there were no suspicious circumstances.