Darts sensation Luke Littler has paid tribute to Ricky Hatton, describing the late boxing champion as a “proper lad” after news of his death shocked the sporting world.
Hatton, 46, was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday morning after failing to attend a boxing event the previous night. Police confirmed his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Hatton, known as ‘The People’s Champion’, was one of Britain’s most beloved fighters, celebrated for his raucous following and his rise from humble beginnings to become a multiple world champion.
Littler, who grew up in nearby Warrington, spoke about the loss while appearing at the Target darts pop-up shop in Manchester.
“What I do when I’m bored at night, I just go through old boxing fights,” the 18-year-old told the Daily Star.
“My dad was talking about Ricky, the fight against Pacquiao and Mayweather where he’s winning it — the ref was splitting it up."
Littler then expressed his sadness that he was never able to meet Hatton in person, despite hearing nothing but positive things about the boxer.
“Even when we found out, Chris Dobey and Ross Smith said he was a proper lad," he continued.
Darts sensation Luke Littler has paid tribute to Ricky Hatton, describing the late boxing champion as a “proper lad” after news of his death shocked the sporting world
|PA
"They said he was at the Matchplay years on the run, but I never got the chance to meet him. It is sad.”
Hatton’s death has sparked tributes from across the sporting community, with Tyson Fury, Amir Khan and Eddie Hearn among those to share emotional messages.
Littler was also asked about comparisons between his showmanship and Hatton’s, particularly after facing a partisan Dutch crowd during his World Series Finals defeat to Michael van Gerwen in Amsterdam last weekend.
“Yeah, it’s just whatever I do on stage — that’s just for myself. It gives me a bit of confidence,” he explained.
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The boxing world continues to mourn the death of Ricky Hatton | GETTY“When I was swilling my water, that was for the fans, it wasn’t for me. I was just trying to get under their skin a bit.
“Michael, is he back? He played very well, but for the players, he’s got to bring that form out of his home country and hopefully he can perform in England.”
Meanwhile, Hatton's family released a new statement on Tuesday saying the Briton had been in a 'good place' before his tragic death.
"We are all distraught at the events of recent days," the statement read. "To all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place.
"He was excited for the future; his bag was packed ready to go to Dubai to promote a comeback fight and he was planning a celebration in Dubai of which his beloved girls Millie and Fearne were to be the centre of.
"He was excited that they would see him fight for the first time in person. He was a doting grandfather and loved spending time with Campbell and Lyla. Richard planned to spend more time in Tenerife.
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Luke Littler discussed the death of Ricky Hatton with his other darts professionals
|PA
"Richard had 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.
"We are all in shock at the events that unfolded over the weekend. Richard was found by his friend and long-time manager Paul Speak, who we are supporting at this time along with Richard's parents, Ray and Carol, his children and the wider family.
"The outpouring of grief and love from the nation and worldwide shows how much Richard was loved. It will, in time, be something that gives us all some comfort and pride.
"For now, however, we would like to have a period of private and personal mourning. The priority for us all is to ensure the wellbeing and support of Richard's children and Granddaughter."
"Details of a memorial service will likely follow, but in the meantime we would all be grateful if the privacy of the family and Richard's memory be respected. It is not our intention to make any further public statements currently."