Ricky’s family said the late star was preparing to promote his comeback fight in Dubai prior to his death

KATIE Price has revealed the conversation she had with Ricky Hatton just two weeks before his tragic death, saying “he seemed fine”.

Boxing legend Ricky was found dead at home on Sunday aged 46 – sending shockwaves through the sporting and entertainment worlds.

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Katie Price met Ricky Hatton for the first time just two weeks before his deathCredit: Splash

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Ricky was found dead at his Manchester home on Sunday aged 46Credit: Getty
In her latest podcast, Katie, 47, opened up about her time with Ricky to promote Supreme CBD and how they discussed mental health.

She said: “Not even two weeks ago, when I was getting my CBD, I done it with Ricky Hatton, first time I’d met Ricky and then he’s gone.

“I just can’t believe it. He seemed fine. Really nice guy he was. I’m just in shock. I know I don’t know him as a friend, but just the couple of hours I sent with him he seemed such a nice guy, so sad.”

She continued: “He was a year younger then me.

“He was saying loads of people suffer mental health. He said he suffered for ages. It’s true, you can look alright on the outside, it’s what’s on the inside.

“I didn’t realise he’d suffered a lot in the past like he did. Rest in peace, Ricky.”

Katie’s words echo a statement put out by Ricky’s family in which they said he was “in a good place” and “excited for the future” before he was found dead.

A statement on his Instagram confirmed the sporting legend’s bags were packed ready for a flight to Dubai to promote his comeback fight in December.

It followed his distraught son Campbell, 24, breaking his silence, saying: “Heartbroken isn’t the word.”

Hatton’s grieving son went on to say: “Everybody has always said I was your double and never a truer word said.

Close friend Blain Younis trains with Ricky ‘Hitman’ Hatton at local gym

“Looked up to you in every aspect of life.

“Can’t explain how much I’m going to miss the laughs we had and all the good times which I will remember forever.

“Just can’t believe we won’t have anymore. Love you dad.”

Campbell shared an Instagram post captioned with the emotional words accompanied by a video montage of the father and son duo enjoying nights out, hugging each other and singing together.

Ricky’s mum Carol also paid tribute to her “beautiful boy” last week, posting a series of images on social media of the pair together.

She added: “[He was] never The Hitman to us, just Richard”.

A family statement said he was looking forward to his daughters Millie and Fearne seeing him fight live for the first time.

It added: “We are all distraught at the events of recent days. 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 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.”

It went on to say: “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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Ricky Hatton’s son Campbell issued a heartbreaking statement following the death of the former world championCredit: Instagram

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Ricky’s son Campbell shared a montage of the pair enjoying nights out, hugging each other and singing together.Credit: Instagram

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Hatton’s family said he was looking forward to his daughters seeing him fight in person for the first timeCredit: Instagram
The statement added that Hatton had spoken to his family and team “in the days and weeks” before the weekend, and had had dinner with his daughters last Friday.

It said: “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.”

The statement confirmed Hatton was found by his manager and long-time friend Paul Speak.

It added: “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 grandchildren.”

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Hatton’s mother previously issued a heartbroken statement following the death of her sonCredit: X

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A statement was posted on behalf of his family and teamCredit: Instagram/rickyhitmanhatton
It said details of a memorial service will follow.

Ricky’s family previously said: “To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.”

They went on to speak on the “immeasurable loss” they had suffered and the pain they felt at losing the world champion.

The family’s statement continues: “As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel.

“Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.”

Hatton won world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweight and traded blows with some of history’s greatest fighters.

 

Ricky Hatton’s biggest boxing wins

 

By Jack Figg

Paulie Malignaggi, November 2008

In his first fight since splitting with long-time trainer Billy Graham, Hatton dominated Malignaggi in one of his best displays of boxing.

Coached by Floyd Mayweather Sr, Hatton would earn a 2009 fight with Manny Pacquiao, which ended in a horrifying KO loss.

Luis Collazo, June 2007

Hatton dropped the veteran American in the opening seconds of round one and looked on course for a demolition job.

But he was taken to the brink over 12 rounds but held on to victory – earning him a super-fight with Floyd Mayweather six months later.

Kostya Tszyu, June 2005

Russian-born Aussie Tszyu was behind only Floyd Mayweather in the pound-for-pound rankings when he travelled to Manchester.

And Hatton pulled off a career-best win to stop Tszyu in the 11th round of what was a brutal war. He became light-welterweight world champ.

Eamonn Magee, June 2002

Hatton was dropped by the Irishman and looked to be on the brink of defeat.

But he got to his feet and rallied back to win over 12 rounds – showcasing his trademark grit and determination.

Jon Thaxton, October 2000

Hatton had to overcome a nasty cut – not for the first time in his career – to edge out a points win.

It won him the British light-welterweight title.

His death came months after he announced his return to boxing with a fight against Eisa Al Dah planned in Dubai in December.

Cops revealed they were called by a member of the public to attend the scene on Sunday at 6.45am, where they “found the body of a 46-year-old man”.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it did not believe there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding Ricky’s death.

The Mail claims Hatton was “battling injury and grief” after a close friend killed himself in August.

It claimed pal David Leigh took his own life without warning.

The Mail says Hatton attended Leigh’s funeral just days before his own tragic death.

And the boxing legend paid an emotional tribute on social media at the time.

Hatton said: “We say our last goodbye to our mate dave leigh today. I wish you could have reached out to us mate. There was so many there for you. Give you a top send off today. See you shortly. Rick.”

During a glittering 15-year career, Hatton beat ring greats such as Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo.

He won 45 of his 48 fights throughout his stellar career and was a major advocate for boxers’ mental health, bravely sharing his own struggles after his retirement from the sport in 2012.

He suffered knockout losses to superstars Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009.

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Hatton and Robin Johnstone during Dancing On Ice last yearCredit: Shutterstock Editorial