Ricky Hatton’s son Campbell says his family have been "hit for six" and left "heartbroken" by his father’s sudden death.
But Campbell, who is 24 and a former professional boxer himself, also said the Hatton family had been overwhelmed by what he called the "outpouring of support" from the public since his father died, aged 46.
Former two-weight world boxing champion Ricky Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde on 14 September. No cause of his death has yet been announced.
In an exclusive interview with Granada Reports sports correspondent Mike Hall, Campbell said of his father’s passing: "We are absolutely heartbroken…it was so unexpected..
"We had so many plans coming up, so it has knocked us for six, but obviously we are trying to be there for each other.
"The outpouring of support from absolutely everyone has been amazing, so that’s helping us through a lot, but yes, [we are] absolutely heartbroken."
Of his relationship with his dad, Campbell, who bears a striking resemblance to him, said: "He used to call me his little Mini-Me.
"We were identical in so many ways, and I think it’s shown through how close we were and the banter we had with each other.
"To so many he was Ricky Hatton the boxer, but to me he was just my dad, and to the family, it was Richard. We just can’t get our heads round it at the minute."
He said the family had been getting some comfort from watching video clips of his father’s life on social medial, showing his boxing achievements and also his sense of humour.
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