Ricky Hatton’s son cut an emotional figure at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon as Manchester City paid tribute to the boxer following his death.
The Hitman was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, last Sunday. His death his not being treated as suspicious.
In the wake of the tragedy, mourners from across the sporting world have paid tribute to the Stockport fighter. Hatton has also received poignant farewells from family members – including his parents, young brother Matthew, and son Campbell.
The long-serving manager of Hatton found his body of the sporting legend at his home in Hyde on Sunday morning, boxing pundit Steve Bunce has revealed.
A family statement was issued by police and read: ‘It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard. 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.
And Hatton’s son, Campbell, was at the Etihad to watch on as Hatton’s beloved City put on a tifo display that showed the former boxer in City shorts with the words: ‘The people’s champion.’
Ricky Hatton’s son Campbell fought back the tears as Manchester City paid tribute to his late father on Saturday
Campbell paid tribute to his father and ‘double’ after his death at 46 two weeks ago
Flowers were also laid in Hatton’s usual seat, with other members of his family also present.
It was City’s second home game since his death, with the first coming just hours after his passing – a 3-0 derby win over Manchester United.
City midfielder Phil Foden said after that game: ‘One hundred per cent I had extra motivation going into the game. It was for him and his family and for the people suff ering right now. The lads gave everything. It wasn’t a pretty match but it was all for him.’
Manager Pep Guardiola added: ‘I have been [at City] 10 years and I don’t remember one [minute’s appreciation] so intense like today. Thank you so much to Manchester United fans. There are no words that can contain the pain that the family feels right now.
‘I know how incredible a Manchester City fan he was – he lived the good moments and the bad moments. The moment of silence was unbelievable, I will always remember it.’
Campbell paid his own tribute to his father, sharing an emotional statement on Instagram.
‘Heartbroken isn’t the word,’ Campbell 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.
City unveiled a tifo featuring Hatton wearing City shorts and the words: ‘The people’s champion’
A number of Hatton’s family were in attendance as City celebrated the life of the former world boxing champion
‘Just can’t believe we won’t have anymore. Love you dad.’
Campbell is one of three Hatton siblings, with sisters Millie and Fearne the children of the boxer and his former partner Jennifer Dooley.
Like his father, Campbell was also a promising young boxer, but retired only two months ago following emotional tumult after the death of one of his closest friends.
