Just weeks before his sudden death at the age of 46, Ricky Hatton’s close friend Robin Johnstone said the former champion was “doing so well” and looking forward to the future.
The legendary boxer, who had also become a fan favourite on Dancing On Ice, was found dead at his home in Gee Cross, Greater Manchester, on Sunday morning. Police confirmed they discovered his body at 6:45am and stated the death is not being treated as suspicious. A police cordon remains in place at his property.
Hatton, who would have turned 47 next month, leaves behind three children, including son Campbell, who boxed professionally before retiring earlier this year.
Robin Johnstone, who partnered Ricky on Dancing On Ice, described her devastation, telling The Mirror: “He’d been doing so well. He was talking about getting ready for his big fight and was all excited… it’s very shocking. He was really sweet. My last memory of him is him looking out at me on the ice during Torvill and Deane’s show, with his girls by his side. His eyes were lit up. His kids were everything to him.”
Hatton retired from professional boxing in 2012 with a record of 45-3, his only defeats coming against Floyd Mayweather Jr, Manny Pacquiao and Vyacheslav Senchenko. Yet he announced plans for a comeback fight against UAE fighter Eisa Al Dah, scheduled for December 2 in Dubai.
Although unable to attend the official press conference in person due to an eye injury sustained during an Oasis reunion concert in Cardiff, Ricky joined via video call, saying: “I’m very much looking forward to it myself, to be honest with you. What you’re trying to do there for boxing in Dubai is fantastic.”
Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney, who shared a romance with Ricky last year, proudly posted the announcement video online, writing: “This is brilliant.”
The world of sport and entertainment has been left stunned, with tributes continuing to pour in for a man remembered not only for his titles but for his kindness, humour and devotion to his children.
