Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton was found hanged at his home, a coroner’s court heard on Thursday as an inquest into his death was opened and adjourned. The 46-year-old, affectionately known as the ‘Hitman’, was discovered “unresponsive” on September 14 by his manager Paul Speak at his residence in Greater Manchester, according to Manchester South Coroner’s Court.
The court was presented with details of the discovery by police coroner’s officer Alison Catlow. Hatton, a former British fighter celebrated for his world titles in both the light-welterweight and welterweight categories, was last seen by his family on September 12. At that time, he appeared to be in good spirits.
The Discovery and Initial Findings
On the morning of September 14, Hatton’s manager arrived at his home to escort him to Manchester Airport for a flight to Dubai. However, upon arrival, Speak found Hatton unresponsive. “The provisional cause of death is given as hanging,” stated coroner Alison Mutch. The inquest has been adjourned until March 20 next year, leaving many questions unanswered about the circumstances leading to Hatton’s death.
Just last week, the streets of Manchester were filled with thousands of mourners for Hatton’s funeral procession. His popularity and larger-than-life personality were evident as fans and friends alike gathered to pay their respects. Notable figures such as Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, and former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury were among those in attendance.
Ricky Hatton’s Legacy and Struggles
Hatton’s career was marked by significant achievements in the boxing world, but his life outside the ring was fraught with challenges. After retiring from boxing for the second time following an ill-advised comeback attempt in 2012, Hatton was open about his battles with mental health. In a candid BBC interview in 2016, he discussed his struggles with alcohol and drugs and revealed that he had attempted to take his own life on several occasions.
Despite these personal battles, Hatton’s love for boxing never waned. In 2022, he participated in a no-scoring exhibition match against Mexico’s Marco Antonio Barrera. In July of this year, he announced plans to return to the ring for a professional bout in Dubai scheduled for December, a testament to his enduring passion for the sport.
Implications and the Path Forward
The tragic loss of Ricky Hatton has reignited discussions about mental health, particularly within the sports community. Experts emphasize the importance of providing support systems for athletes transitioning out of their professional careers. Dr. Sarah Thompson, a sports psychologist, noted, “Athletes often struggle with identity and purpose after retiring from competitive sports. It’s crucial to have mental health resources readily available to them.”
“Athletes often struggle with identity and purpose after retiring from competitive sports. It’s crucial to have mental health resources readily available to them.” — Dr. Sarah Thompson, Sports Psychologist
As the inquest continues, the focus will not only be on understanding the circumstances of Hatton’s death but also on addressing the broader issues of mental health in sports. The boxing community and fans worldwide mourn the loss of a champion, while also reflecting on the need for increased awareness and support for mental health challenges.
Moving forward, Hatton’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities faced by athletes beyond their professional achievements. The hope is that his legacy will inspire positive changes in how mental health is addressed within the sports industry.
