Campbell Hatton has opened up about how his family is coping with the loss of his father, Ricky Hatton, one month after the 46-year-old’s death.
Hatton was found dead in his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, last month by his manager, Paul Speak.
Speak had gone to Hatton’s residence to see the boxing star after he had not shown up for a boxing event the night before.
The inquest into the boxer’s death began on Thursday, and Campbell gave a heartbreaking interview just before, in which he said: “Yeah, it's been a bit of a whirlwind the last few weeks.
Campbell Hatton has opened up on how is family is coping after the loss of his father Ricky Hatton
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“Obviously, we've been leading up to the funeral, which was unbelievable to see the amount of love everyone had for my dad.
“There were thousands in the streets, and there was a lot of comfort to take from that,” he told ITV.
The Hitman’s funeral was held last week, and thousands of fans lined the streets to pay respect to a boxer who many called “The People’s Champion”.
Celebrities from every walk of life came together to pay their respects to the legendary boxer as sports stars Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney were seen alongside the likes of Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher.
Campbell continued: “It has been very up and down, really, but just as a family, we're trying to take each day at a time, really.
“He always said he was more proud of his fanbase than all the belts and his titles. Surprised is probably the wrong word because it was obvious how much he was loved by the amount of people that followed him all over the world to watch him box.
“To actually see everyone in the streets, it was a very long route that we went down, and there was never a point where the streets weren't full. To actually see it in terms of the amount of people, it was surreal really.”
Campbell hatton has revealed the amount of love for his father, Ricky Hatton, has been overwhelming
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Campbell also spoke earlier this month on the shock he felt from the loss: “We are absolutely heartbroken – it was so unexpected.
“We had so many plans coming up, so it has knocked us for six, but obviously, we are trying to be there for each other. The outpouring of support from absolutely everyone has been amazing, so that's helping us through a lot – but yes, absolutely heartbroken.
“He used to call me his little Mini-Me. We were identical in so many ways, and I think it's shown through how close we were and the banter we had with each other.
“To so many, he was Ricky Hatton the boxer, but to me, he was just my dad, and to the family, it was Richard. We just can't get our heads round it at the minute.”
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His manager, Speak, who found Hatton in his home, also reflected on the incident, revealing: “The lights weren't on, which I thought was strange. I thought he'd overslept, it's not unusual. People do oversleep.
“I heard music coming from upstairs, so I went upstairs… I took a look at him… I had to take some time to process it.
“I was in a state of shock and confusion and loss and many more emotions. Then I called the police and the ambulance. But I firmly believe he didn't intend to do it. It's for the coroner to determine, but he had it all to live for.
Thousands came out to honour Ricky Hatton at his funeral
| REUTERS“If this was 10 years ago, it wouldn't have been as big a shock as it was. I've been with Ricky to the very highest mountains in boxing to the lowest chasm in life.”
On Thursday morning, it was revealed at the inquest that Hatton died from hanging.
Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.