In a heartwarming turn during a period of profound grief, Campbell Hatton, the son of late boxing icon Ricky Hatton, has found love. The former professional boxer has publicly embraced a new relationship with Brooke Heaton, a connection deeply rooted in his family's long-standing bonds, offering a glimmer of light after a dark chapter.
A New Chapter of Healing and Love
Campbell Hatton, aged 25, and Brooke Heaton, 22, chose to share their relationship with the world via social media, marking a significant personal milestone. Brooke posted a heartfelt birthday tribute to Campbell on Instagram, writing, "Happy birthday Campbell. You are so special. Have the best day, I love u." This public declaration comes just months after the tragic passing of Ricky Hatton in September, at the age of 46.
The couple has been spending considerable time together, notably over the Christmas holidays and during New Year travels. Brooke was integrated into family gatherings, joining the Hattons for their holiday break. Their shared moments also extended to the football stands, where they were spotted at a Manchester City match. The club holds a special place in the Hatton family's legacy, as Ricky was one of its most celebrated and passionate supporters, a tradition Campbell continues to uphold.
The Deep-Rooted Family Connection
What makes this relationship particularly poignant is its foundation in decades of family friendship. Brooke Heaton is the daughter of Simon Heaton, who was not merely an acquaintance but Ricky Hatton's closest and most trusted friend from a young age. Simon, a non-league football manager, featured in the 2023 documentary film 'Hatton'.
In the film, he reminisced about Ricky's early dedication, recalling the sounds of his training: "You’d be upstairs in the pub and you’d just hear ‘bang… bang’. You’d ask, ‘What’s that noise?’ It would be Ricky downstairs banging the bags." Simon also spoke about Ricky's potential in football, but it was in the boxing ring where he truly excelled, eventually unifying the light-welterweight division and winning a world welterweight title to become a national hero.
Navigating Loss and Public Grief
The backdrop to this new romance is the immense loss felt by Campbell and his family. Ricky Hatton's sudden death sent shockwaves through the sporting world. He was found at his home after missing a gym session and a fight he intended to watch. The outpouring of love was immense, with thousands of fans lining the streets of Manchester to pay their final respects during his funeral.
Campbell has been open about his grieving process. In a reflective social media post after the New Year, spent in his father's favourite place, he wrote, "2025 as bad is it can get for me and mine… Long way to go still but here’s to a better 2026." Earlier, in October, he discussed the overwhelming support received and the family's approach of taking each day as it comes. He highlighted what his father cherished most, stating, "He always said he was more proud of his fanbase than all the belts and his titles."
As Campbell Hatton embarks on this new journey with Brooke Heaton, it is seen by many as a meaningful step forward. It represents not just a personal new beginning but also the enduring strength of the connections his father valued so deeply, offering a narrative of hope and continuity amidst sorrow.
