The 25-year-old says he was “down a dark path” following battles with cocaine and alcohol addiction
Campbell Hatton and Ricky Hatton’s granddaughter Lyla at An Evening4Ricky event Credit: Manchester Evening News(Image: Ryan Jenkinson)
Professional boxer Campbell Hatton has revealed that the tragic passing of his father, former two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton, ultimately “saved” his own life, steering him away from a self-destructive path of cocaine and alcohol addiction.
The 25-year-old is now preparing for a professional comeback in the ring after spending time in rehabilitation. Ricky Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde on September 14, 2025, at the age of 46. At an inquest held in March, South Manchester senior coroner Alison Mutch concluded the official cause of death was hanging, though noted it remained unclear whether the former champion intended to take his own life.
The senior Hatton had previously been open about his personal battles with substance abuse.
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In an emotional interview with ITV Granada, Campbell Hatton disclosed that his own struggles with addiction had brought him to the brink of tragedy just as his family was hit by his father’s passing.
“A lot of my family did think when the police were breaking the news, they did think it was going to be about me – and it probably was not far wrong, it was probably weeks off,” Hatton admitted, revealing he had previously planned to take his own life.
“I just think when we lost him, it did sort of save me in a few ways because I sort of had to sort myself out, because my family wouldn’t have had it in them to go through it again.”
(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)
The younger Hatton had previously announced his retirement from boxing in July 2025 following consecutive defeats to James Flint. Behind the scenes, however, the fighter was spiralling into severe substance dependency.
“I was just off the rails,” Hatton said, noting he received treatment for both alcoholism and cocaine addiction. “There was no thought to the future, which was just self-destructive, and it is a bit of a miracle that I am still here.”
After a period of rehabilitation and re-focusing on his family, Hatton is now channeling his recovery back into the sport that defined his family name. Having signed a new promotional deal with Misfits Boxing, he has officially resumed intensive training.
“Being back in the gym is working wonders for me,” Hatton stated, reflecting on a turbulent year. “I am not just getting by now or plodding through. I am enjoying my life and am like living again, so that is a massive change. I look back with pride a little bit from how far I have come.”
A date for Hatton’s return to the ring under the Misfits banner has yet to be officially announced.
Help and support
Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org, write to Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS (no more information needed) and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.
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CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They’re open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk
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PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org
For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/