Inquest Reveals Heartbreaking Details in Ricky Hatton’s Death
Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton, one of Britain’s most beloved fighters, died by hanging, a coroner confirmed Thursday during an inquest at Stockport Coroner’s Court, according to multiple reports. Alison Mutch, senior coroner for Manchester South, told the court that the “provisional cause of death is given as hanging.” Hatton, 46, was found unresponsive on the morning of Sept. 14 at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, by his longtime manager, Paul Speak. Speak told Boxing News that he discovered Hatton after the boxer failed to show up for a planned trip to Manchester Airport, where he was set to fly to Dubai. “The lights weren’t on, which I thought was strange,” Speak said. “I thought he’d overslept, but it’s not unusual. So I went inside I have a key shouting, ‘Rick, Rick, wake up!’ I heard music coming from upstairs, so I went up. I took a look at him. I had to take some time to process it.” Manager Recounts Discovery of Hatton’s Lifeless Body Speak, who had managed Hatton for much of his career, told Boxing News he does not believe Hatton intended to take his own life. “I firmly believe he didn’t intend to do it,” Speak said. “It’s for the coroner to determine, but he had it all to live for.” According to Alison Catlow, a coroner’s officer with Greater Manchester Police, Hatton had last been seen by his family two days earlier and “appeared well.” When Hatton missed the event he was scheduled to attend, Speak went to check on him only to find the boxer lifeless in his home. The news shocked Hatton’s family and fans alike. His son, Campbell Hatton, 24, described the tragedy as a complete shock. “I can’t explain how much I’m going to miss you, Dad,” Campbell said during the memorial service at Manchester Cathedral. “We won’t be making any new memories, but the ones we did, I’ll cherish forever.” Campbell later told ITV News the family had “so many big plans coming up,” while Speak revealed that Hatton had booked holidays and upcoming boxing events, including a trip to Thailand for the WBC Convention and a December bout in Dubai, marking what would have been his return to the ring after 13 years. Hatton’s Mental Health Struggles While the inquest continues to determine the official cause and circumstances, Hatton’s struggles with mental health, depression, and substance abuse were well documented throughout his life. The former world champion spoke openly about his darkest moments, revealing in a 2016 interview with the BBC that he had survived multiple suicide attempts. “I tried to kill myself several times,” Hatton said at the time. “I used to go to the pub, come back, take the knife out and sit there in the dark crying hysterically.” Hatton had previously sought professional help for alcohol and cocaine addiction following his 2012 retirement, and he often used his public platform to advocate for mental health awareness, especially among athletes coping with life after sports. A Career That Defined British Boxing Nicknamed “The Hitman,” Ricky Hatton was a national hero known as much for his humility as his ferocity inside the ring. Over a 15-year career, he compiled an impressive record of 45 wins and only 3 losses, capturing world titles in two weight classes: light welterweight and welterweight. Hatton’s high-energy style and fearless pressure fighting captivated fans across Britain, culminating in blockbuster bouts against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009. Though he fell short in both super fights, Hatton’s heart, grit, and connection with fans made him one of the most adored British athletes of his generation. He retired officially in 2012, but remained active in the sport as a trainer and promoter, mentoring young fighters, including his son Campbell. In July 2024, Hatton announced plans to return to the ring in December for an exhibition bout in Dubai an event he never lived to see.
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