Kerry Katona’s Heartfelt Regret Over Ricky Hatton’s Death

Published: 22 September 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

The sporting world, the entertainment industry and countless admirers across Britain remain in mourning following the sudden death of Ricky Hatton, the former boxing champion who captured the hearts of fans far beyond the ring. The 46-year-old athlete, known to many as “The Hitman” and widely regarded as a people’s champion, was found dead at his Manchester home on 14 September. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the body discovered at his address was not being treated as suspicious, but the shock surrounding the circumstances has left friends, colleagues and fans grappling with grief and unanswered questions.

In the days since his passing, a stream of tributes has poured in from public figures, fellow athletes, musicians, actors and ordinary fans whose lives had been touched by his charisma, humour and generosity. Among those who have spoken openly about their grief is television personality Kerry Katona, who revealed a deeply personal regret that she says has been “replaying” constantly in her mind since hearing the devastating news.

Katona, who had known Hatton for several years and worked alongside him in recent months as a brand ambassador for Supreme CBD, described her final interactions with the late boxer. In her weekly column for New! Magazine, she admitted that she had spoken with Hatton earlier in the summer while both were in Ibiza, but declined invitations to meet. “I was devastated when I heard about Ricky Hatton’s death, it really shook me up,” she wrote. “He was a great friend. When I was in Ibiza recently he asked me to meet up twice, and I didn’t because I didn’t want to go out and just wanted to chill, but now that has been replaying in my head.”

She went on to share memories of Hatton’s warm interactions with her children, recalling how he playfully sparred with her son DJ earlier this year and even offered to provide boxing lessons for her son Max. “The whole family have been really upset,” Katona added. “I’m sending love to his family.” Her words reflect the sense of loss felt not only by those closest to Hatton but also by communities who admired his role as both an athlete and a friend.

Katona’s reflections are part of a broader outpouring of emotion. Musician Noel Gallagher, who shared a long friendship with Hatton, recounted their last exchanges just days before his death. Speaking publicly, Gallagher explained: “We were texting each other last week. And I saw him at Heaton Park a couple of the nights, and he was on standard Ricky form. He was wisecracking with everyone, he was having a drink, he was great.” Gallagher admitted he was “gobsmacked” at the news and highlighted Hatton’s long struggle with mental health, a subject widely acknowledged throughout his career. “It just shows you that you never really know,” Gallagher remarked. “It’s such a shame. He’s a great Mancunian.”

Tributes also came from actress Claire Sweeney, who had dated Hatton in the past and maintained a close friendship following their amicable split. Taking to Instagram, she described the difficulty of processing the loss. “I’ve needed a few days to process the devastating news about my dear friend Ricky. My thoughts are with his family, especially his children Campbell, Millie Fearne and Lyla, and his granddaughter,” she wrote. Addressing Hatton’s lifelong friend and manager Paul “Speaky” Speak, she extended sympathy to all those who had known and loved him. “Ricky, you were the people’s champ. We adored and cherished you. Love you always.” Her post was accompanied by a video montage of memories with Hatton, set to Elvis Presley’s If I Can Dream.

The grief has been especially poignant in Manchester, where Hatton was more than a sporting hero. To many, he embodied the working-class resilience of the city, carrying its pride onto international stages while never losing the down-to-earth humour that endeared him to supporters. His boxing career, which saw him rise to world champion status, was marked not only by his tenacity inside the ring but also by his accessibility outside it, as a man who was approachable and unpretentious even at the height of his fame.

Yet behind the success lay personal struggles. Hatton’s battles with mental health were well documented, and his openness in discussing those challenges had earned him respect as well as sympathy. Friends have pointed out that his willingness to speak about his difficulties offered hope to others facing similar issues, reinforcing his role as both a sportsman and a human being who resonated with millions.

The circumstances of his death remain under investigation, but authorities have stated there is no suspicion of foul play. For his family, including his children and granddaughter, and for his manager Paul Speak who discovered him, the loss is deeply personal and profound. For fans, the loss is cultural, marking the passing of a figure who brought them moments of joy, pride and inspiration.

As tributes continue to flood in, questions also remain about how best to honour Hatton’s legacy. Some have suggested charitable initiatives focused on mental health awareness in sport, while others have emphasised the importance of remembering his achievements in boxing. Whatever form remembrance takes, the consistent theme in tributes is clear: Ricky Hatton was loved not only for what he accomplished but for who he was.

For Kerry Katona and many others, the grief is laced with moments of personal regret—words unsaid, meetings postponed, opportunities lost. Yet the collective memory being built in the days following his death has also been one of celebration: of a man whose humour, humanity and fighting spirit left an indelible mark. The image of Ricky Hatton, the smiling fighter who carried Manchester’s spirit with him around the world, will endure long after the sadness of this moment begins to fade.