Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton’s cause of death has been revealed at an inquest into his death at Stockport Coroner’s Court, with provisional reports confirming the 46-year-old died from hanging.
The Manchester boxing icon was discovered at his residence in Hyde, Greater Manchester, after his manager Paul Speak found his body when checking on him after Hatton failed to appear for a boxing event the previous night.
Police were summoned to Bowlacre Road at 6:45am on Sunday, 14 September, where they confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of one of Britain’s most celebrated fighters.
Manager’s Grim Discovery
Hatton’s long-time manager Paul Speak made the devastating discovery after growing concerned when the former champion missed a scheduled boxing event. Speak had arrived at the Hyde property early on Sunday morning to check on Hatton, who had been due to travel to Dubai to promote a comeback fight planned for December.
The tragic discovery shocked the boxing world, particularly as Hatton had been preparing for his return to the ring after a 13-year absence from professional boxing.
Foundation Launched in His Memory
A foundation has been launched in memory of the legendary boxer with the aim of supporting the well-being of other athletes in sport. The Ricky Hatton Foundation was announced last week as a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of current and former sportspeople.
In a heartfelt Instagram message announcing the foundation, the family stated: “The Ricky Hatton Foundation — a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of current and former sportspeople.
“Ricky inspired millions with his courage, honesty, and heart. Away from the lights, he also spoke openly about his own battles — reminding us that even the toughest fighters can struggle. Through this foundation, we aim to turn that honesty into hope, helping others find the support they need when the fight feels hardest.”
The foundation will raise funds and awareness to provide access to mental health services, community programmes, and educational campaigns across sport, with the core message: “Together, we can make sure no fighter fights alone.”
Glittering Career Cut Short
During his incredible career, Hatton won four world titles across the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions, establishing himself as one of Britain’s finest boxers. The fighter, known as “The Hitman”, captured the hearts of British boxing fans with his aggressive style and down-to-earth personality.
Hatton won 45 of his 48 professional bouts across an esteemed 15-year career, with his last professional fight taking place in 2012 when he retired following a defeat to Vyacheslav Senchenko.
Mental Health Trailblazer
Throughout his career, Hatton was a major trailblazer for boxers’ mental health and shared his own struggles following his retirement in 2012. The former champion had been remarkably open about his battles with depression, which began after high-profile defeats and intensified during his retirement from the sport.
His willingness to discuss these issues publicly helped break down stigma in a sport traditionally associated with invulnerability and toughness. Hatton’s candid discussions about his mental health struggles provided comfort and inspiration to countless others facing similar challenges, both within sport and beyond.
Thousands Line Manchester Streets
His funeral took place last week, with thousands of people lining the streets of Manchester to pay their respects to the Hitman. The extraordinary turnout demonstrated the profound impact Hatton had on British boxing and the wider Manchester community.
Fans gathered along the funeral route, many wearing Manchester City colours in tribute to Hatton’s beloved football team, creating a sea of blue as the cortege passed through the city. Chants of “There’s only one Ricky Hatton” echoed through the streets, the same refrain that had accompanied him during his legendary nights in the ring.
Family’s Emotional Statement
Following his passing, his family released an emotional statement expressing their devastation and shock. “We are all distraught at the events of recent days,” the statement read. “To all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place.”
The family revealed that Hatton had been looking forward to the future with optimism and excitement. “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.”
They added poignantly: “He was excited that they would see him fight for the first time in person.”
The statement highlighted the cruel irony that Hatton appeared to be in positive spirits and had concrete plans for the future, including his anticipated return to boxing after more than a decade away from the sport.
Global Tributes Pour In
Tributes have continued to flood in from all over the globe as fans come to terms with the sudden loss of the boxing legend. Messages of condolence and remembrance have poured in from fellow boxers, sports stars, celebrities, and thousands of fans who were touched by Hatton’s career and personality.
Former opponents, training partners, and boxing promoters have all paid tribute to Hatton’s skill in the ring and his character outside it. Many have highlighted his role in transforming British boxing and taking the sport to new heights of popularity during his career.
Social media has been flooded with memories of Hatton’s greatest fights, particularly his victory over Kostya Tszyu in 2005 and his brave challenges against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas, where thousands of British fans created an unforgettable atmosphere.
Legacy of Openness
Hatton’s death has sparked renewed discussion about mental health support in professional sport, particularly for athletes transitioning into retirement. His openness about his own struggles has been credited with helping to change attitudes within boxing and the wider sporting community.
The establishment of The Ricky Hatton Foundation ensures that his commitment to mental health awareness will continue beyond his death. The foundation’s mission to support current and former athletes facing mental health challenges represents a fitting tribute to a man who never shied away from discussing his own vulnerabilities.
Sports psychologists and mental health experts have pointed to Hatton’s case as highlighting the unique pressures faced by elite athletes, particularly in combat sports where identity is so closely tied to physical prowess and public performance.
Remembered as “The People’s Champion”
Known affectionately as “The People’s Champion”, Hatton’s appeal extended far beyond his achievements in the ring. His working-class roots, approachable manner, and willingness to engage with fans made him one of the most beloved figures in British sport.
From his early days fighting in leisure centres to selling out arenas in Las Vegas, Hatton never forgot where he came from. His ability to remain grounded despite his success endeared him to millions and made his struggles with mental health all the more relatable to those facing similar challenges.
The Ricky Hatton Foundation’s pledge that “no fighter fights alone” serves as both a memorial to his life and a call to action for better mental health support in sport. Through this initiative, Hatton’s courage in discussing his mental health battles will continue to help others long after his passing.
As the boxing world and beyond continues to mourn the loss of Ricky Hatton at just 46 years of age, his legacy as both a champion in the ring and an advocate for mental health awareness ensures that his impact will be felt for generations to come.
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Image Credit:
Ricky Hatton — photo by SamboD, taken 4 September 2009, licensed under CC BY 2.0
