Boxing champion Ricky Hatton amassed a £40million property portfolio that will provide financial security for his three children following his death in September at the age of 46.
The former world title holder, who tragically took his own life in September, channelled his ring earnings into an extensive network of property ventures designed to protect his family's future.
His children Campbell, 24, Millie, 13, and Fearne, 12, are now set to inherit the fruits of their father's careful financial planning.
A source close to the family told The Sun: "Many, many boxers finish the fight game and end up either going bankrupt, or find that they've not got as much money as they thought."
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The source added: "Ricky was determined to ensure that he had a financial legacy from his incredible career and he's boxed clever with his investments."
Documents reveal the Manchester City supporter served as a director of more than 20 companies during his lifetime.
He established an internal lending operation called DHT Finance, which provided capital to his other enterprises for property acquisitions.
Thousands came out to honour Ricky Hatton at his funeral | REUTERSPunch Promotions Ltd functioned as the primary vehicle for his boxing income and held equity exceeding £16million at the time of his death.
His property interests spanned freehold and leasehold flats, housing developments and residential properties across his hometown of Hyde in Greater Manchester, as well as locations in Leicestershire, London and Kent.
The fighter also possessed a £1.75million residence in Gee Cross, Greater Manchester, alongside a modern boxing gymnasium in Hyde.
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| PAThe source noted: "Everyone who knew and loved Ricky would give anything to have him back. But during his life he's done a great job of providing for the people he loved the most his children."
Throughout a 15-year professional career, Hatton captured world championships at both light-welterweight and welterweight divisions.
The Hyde-born fighter defeated legendary opponents including Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo during his peak years in the sport.
However, his career also featured high-profile defeats, suffering knockout losses to Floyd Mayweather Jnr in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009.
His achievements in the ring earned him an MBE in 2007, recognition of his status as one of British boxing's most celebrated figures.
The fortune accumulated from his fighting career appears to have been substantially reinvested into the property market, creating the business empire that now secures his children's futures.
Ricky Hatton won world championships in two weight classes | GETTYAt the time of his death, Hatton had been preparing for promotional work in Dubai ahead of a planned comeback bout scheduled for December 2.
Despite his professional success, Hatton battled mental health difficulties throughout his life.
In October, relatives and close friends established a foundation bearing his name to support others facing similar struggles, with the message: "It's OK to talk."
His son Campbell has emerged as a vocal campaigner on mental health matters, appearing on ITV Good Morning to address the barriers preventing men from seeking help.
He said there was "still a stigma for blokes talking about their mental health," adding: "I think people still see it as a bit of a weakness, which the foundation is looking to change and because it's in my dad's name a lot more men will feel comfortable . . . and will talk a little bit more openly."
His daughter Millie delivered a poignant tribute at his funeral, saying: "I can't help but wonder why. Why did you feel that way? Why didn't you reach out about how you felt?"
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.