Ricky Hatton, a legendary boxer who achieved world titles in two weight classes, was discovered deceased at his residence in Manchester by his manager and close friend, Paul Speak. The findings of the inquest revealed that Hatton was found unresponsive in his room by Speak, who was supposed to accompany him to Dubai for a press conference on the same day to announce his return to the ring.
According to police coroner’s officer Alison Catlow, Hatton, who lived alone, was last seen by his family looking well on September 12. However, he failed to attend a scheduled event the following day, leading to Speak finding him unresponsive on September 14. Although the complete results of the post-mortem examination are pending, the preliminary cause of death was indicated as ‘hanging,’ with a full inquest scheduled for March 20.
Speak expressed his belief that Hatton did not intend to take his own life, emphasizing that he had a promising future ahead. Despite Hatton’s struggles with mental health and addiction in the past, his family stated that he was in a positive state before his passing. Hatton’s final social media posts showcased his dedication to fitness and a return to the ring, along with a heartwarming video supporting a bullied child.
Following Hatton’s death, a memorial service was held in Manchester, attended by numerous celebrities and sports personalities, including Liam Gallagher, Tyson Fury, and Frank Bruno. The event concluded with a march to the Etihad Stadium, where a minute’s applause honored Hatton’s legacy before a Manchester derby match.
Known for his engaging fighting style and humble personality, Hatton’s career included memorable bouts against boxing greats like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Despite facing setbacks in his career, Hatton remained committed to mental health advocacy and charitable causes. His planned comeback fight in Dubai was a testament to his enduring passion for the sport and his determination to overcome personal challenges.
