Ricky Hattons father heartboken as sport icon | Boxing News

Darts icon Phil Taylor has expressed his deep sorrow over the death of Ricky Hatton, revealing how the boxer’s father is grappling with the tragic loss. Hatton was discovered useless at his Hyde, Greater Manchester home on Sunday, September 14, aged just 46, sending shockwaves through the boxing world, less than three months before his anticipated return to the ring after a 13-year hiatus.

Immediate tributes flowed in for ‘The Hitman’, who held quite a few world championship titles in the super-lightweight and welterweight divisions throughout his 15-year boxing profession, retiring in 2012 as one of the best British fighters of his period. Despite beforehand discussing his battle with depression and mental health points, Hatton’s household had been left “in shock” and “distraught” by his sudden passing, stating that “to all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place”.

They continued: “Richard has spoken to his family and his team in the days and weeks before the weekend. He had dinner with his girls on Friday night and Richard was not alone in life or in the days before the weekend.

“The outpouring of grief and love from the nation and worldwide exhibits how a lot Richard was liked. It will, in time, be one thing that provides us all some consolation and delight. For now, however, we wish to have a period of non-public and personal mourning.”

Taylor, a close friend of the Hatton family, has spoken out about the tragic loss, describing the late boxer as “happy-go-lucky”. Speaking to The Sun, the darts legend revealed that he had been contacted by Hatton’s father Ray, who is devastated by his son’s death.

“I’m gutted,” he confessed. “Gutted. In fact, his dad Ray texted me the other night time when I used to be in the lodge because he hadn’t been on his telephone for a few days. I perceive that. It’s breaking his coronary 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.”

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Paying tribute to Hatton, the 65-year-old said: “Richard was just normal for me. Some people say he could be a bit shirty when he’s had a drink. I never saw it but we all can, can’t we? He was always normal with me, happy-go-lucky.

“If I did interviews with him in coach Billy Graham’s gymnasium he’d be squirting the water bottle down the back of my bloody neck and issues like. I’d say: ‘Ricky, you swine.’ Or he’d provide you with a rib tickler. But he was good enjoyable. Nice company to be with.”

Further tributes have poured in for Hatton from across the boxing world and beyond, with former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury writing: “Rip to the legend @rickyhatton could he rip. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t consider this so younger.”

Frank Bruno expressed his deep sorrow over Hatton’s death, stating he was “completely devastated”, while Amir Khan mourned the loss of “We [have] misplaced not only one of Britain’s biggest boxers, but a buddy, a mentor, a warrior”.

Hatton’s former partner, actress Claire Sweeney, also shared an emotional tribute to ‘the people’s champ’. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she wrote: “I’ve needed a few days to course of the devastating news about my pricey buddy Ricky. My ideas are with his household particularly his kids Campbell, Millie Fearne and Lyla, his granddaughter.

“To them, Speaky and to all his friends who loved him so deeply and for so many years I send you my deepest sympathy. Ricky, you were the people’s champ. We adored and cherished you. Love you always.”