BOXING TRAGEDY: The world of sports is in mourning as heartbreaking new details of Ricky Hatton’s final moments were revealed at the inquest today. Once a legend of the ring, the beloved fighter’s story ended far from the bright lights — and the revelations left even the toughest fans in tears. 🕊️🥊
In a trembling voice, his son spoke out for the first time, recalling their final conversation — “He told me he was proud… I just didn’t know it would be the last time.” 💔
From the roar of the crowds to the silence of loss, Hatton’s journey reminds us how fragile even the strongest can be. RIP to a true warrior — gone, but never forgotten.
Former world champ was found dead at home
BOXING legend Ricky Hatton’s cause of death has been given at inquest today.
The former world champion – known as “The Hitman” – was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14.
Ricky Hatton was found dead at home last monthCredit: Getty
The boxing legend won four world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweightCredit: Reuters
Ricky Hatton’s spoke about his dad’s legacy on GMB todayCredit: ITV
Greater Manchester Police confirmed his death is not being treated as suspicious.
An inquest heard today how Ricky died from hanging, according to a provisional cause of death.
Stockport Coroner’s Court was told Ricky was last seen by family members on September 12 and “appeared well”.
Two days later, his manager Paul Speak went to the boxer’s home to accompany him to Manchester Airport where they were due to board a flight to Dubai.
The court was told Paul found Ricky “unresponsive” inside and emergency crews were called.
Coroner Alison Mutch asked Paul, who was representing Ricky’s family, to pass on her condolences as she adjourned the inquest until March 20 next year.
Ricky’s son, Campbell, appeared on ITV‘s Good Morning Britain today ahead of the hearing.
He opened up about his dad’s mental health battles, saying: “It’s something that we spoke about for quite a long time, even before my dad passed away.”
Campbell continued: “I always knew [he had mental health issues]. Obviously, there was a lot of very bad times for my dad. I was present for a lot of them, as much as people would try and keep me away from it.
“But I think I always knew a little bit from a young age. It gives me a lot of confidence that I can deal with my struggles because I’ve seen my dad come through his and openly talk about it.
“So, I know it’s okay to do and it’s just about passing that message on now. My dad spoke openly about his mental health, but there’s still a lot that don’t.”
Ricky was laid to rest in an emotional funeral attended by celebs including Liam Gallagher and fellow boxers Tyson Fury, Frank Bruno and Tony Bellew last week.
Ex-England star Wayne Rooney also paid his respects, along with former England cricket captain Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff.
Thousands of mourners lined the streets during the procession, which started at Ricky’s local pub – the Cheshire Cheese in Hyde – last Friday.
The cortege stopped at Ricky’s boxing gym, as well as the AO Arena – the venue where he secured his first world title over Kosta Tszyu in 2005.
His daughters bravely shared an emotional tribute inside Manchester Cathedral and spoke of their pride for having Ricky for a dad.
Millie, 13, said: “My heart is in a million and one pieces that you aren’t here with me and everyone else who loves you dearly.
“I wake up every morning wishing you were here.
“I can’t help but think about how you will never walk me down the aisle, how you will never meet my children and your grandchildren, that you won’t be here to see me leave school and you won’t even see me grow into an adult.”
Her sister Ferne, 12, added: “I can’t believe that you are not here anymore, and that I have only known you for 12 years.
“Even though I have only spent 12 years of my life, knowing the strong and inspiring person you are.
“I’m having to realise that you will be out of my life more than you have been in it.”
Ricky Hatton’s biggest boxing wins
By Jack Figg
Paulie Malignaggi, November 2008
In his first fight since splitting with long-time trainer Billy Graham, Hatton dominated Malignaggi in one of his best displays of boxing.
Coached by Floyd Mayweather Sr, Hatton would earn a 2009 fight with Manny Pacquiao, which ended in a horrifying KO loss.
Luis Collazo, May 2006
Hatton dropped the veteran American in the opening seconds of round one and looked on course for a demolition job.
But he was taken to the brink over 12 rounds but held on to victory – earning him a super-fight with Floyd Mayweather at welterweight a year later.
Kostya Tszyu, June 2005
Russian-born Aussie Tszyu was behind only Floyd Mayweather in the pound-for-pound rankings when he travelled to Manchester.
And Hatton pulled off a career-best win to stop Tszyu in the 11th round of what was a brutal war. He became light-welterweight world champ.
Eamonn Magee, June 2002
Hatton was dropped by the Irishman and looked to be on the brink of defeat.
But he got to his feet and rallied back to win over 12 rounds – showcasing his trademark grit and determination.
Jon Thaxton, October 2000
Hatton had to overcome a nasty cut – not for the first time in his career – to edge out a points win.
It won him the British light-welterweight title.
Ricky’s son Campbell, 24, who followed him into boxing racking up 16 fights before retiring, also paid tribute to his dad.
He said: “We won’t be making any new memories – but the ones we did I will cherish for ever.”
During his 15-year career, Ricky won four world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweight.
After trading blows with some of history’s greatest fighters, he became known as one of the greatest UK boxers of his generation.
He won 45 of his 48 fights – including against greats such as Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo – but suffered knockout loses to Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao.
Ricky was awarded an MBE in 2007 and had worked as a boxing promoter and trainer since hanging up his gloves.
He was scheduled to return to boxing in December this year with a professional bout.
Away from the ring, he became an ambassador for mental health charities and the Manchester-based Barnbaus, which supports homeless and vulnerable people.
Ricky was vocal about his own struggle with mental health and bravely opened up in 2012 about his battle with alcohol abuse and drug addiction.
How to get help
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
Heads Together,www.headstogether.org.uk
HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123
The Ricky Hatton Foundation has now been launched in his name aimed at helping others.
Its website said Ricky was “open and honest about his own struggles with mental health”.
The foundation added: “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.
“It will also continue to build on Ricky’s incredible legacy — one built on courage, compassion, and connection.“Together, we can make sure no fighter fights alone.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
Ricky was awarded an MBE in 2007Credit: Getty
The boxer fights Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2007Credit: PA
He was laid to rest last weekCredit: AFP
