Ricky Hatton’s son has revealed he was “weeks away” from taking his own life before learning his father had died in September 2025.
Campbell Hatton revealed he attempted suicide a “couple of times” and had reached a point where there was no concern for the future because he did not believe he would be around to face the consequences.
“There was no thought to the future and it’s a bit of miracle that I am still here,” Hatton said in an ITV Granada Reports interview.
The 25-year-old admitted alcohol and cocaine addiction had spiraled out of control after he struggled to come to terms with retiring from boxing and suffered the loss of four close friends within six months.
When police arrived to break the news of Ricky Hatton’s death, Campbell says some family members feared they were there because of him.
“When the police were breaking the news [of Ricky’s death], a lot of my family thought it was going to be about me – and they were probably not far wrong.
“It was probably weeks off.”
Similar Struggles
Like Ricky Hatton before him, Campbell found himself battling mental health issues while turning to alcohol and other substances as a coping mechanism.
“I’ve spent time in rehab and I was just off the rails,” he explained.
“There was a six-month period where I lost four people who were really close to me. Even before, I’d struggled to come to terms with retiring from boxing.”
He added: “Drinking was always part of that and I was getting treatment for addiction with cocaine as well. I think it all goes hand-in-hand.
“I don’t think anyone in rehab or struggled with addiction – it is a package thing. I have the personality where it’s all or nothing. Whether it’s good or bad. It’s just the way I’m wired up.”
Turning Point
Campbell says his father’s death forced him to confront where his life was heading.
The former boxer says rehabilitation and the loss of Ricky ultimately pushed him toward making lasting changes.
“Dad’s death did sort of save me because I had to sort myself out.”
Now a father himself, Campbell says he has rebuilt his life and is planning a return to boxing after stepping away from the sport.
The difference, he says, is that he recognized where that road was leading before it was too late.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
