The tragic death of former boxing champion Ricky Hatton has left the sports world in shock. The 46-year-old was found hanged at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14th, according to a coroner's court hearing. His manager and close friend, Paul Speak, discovered him, and the news comes as a devastating blow to the boxing community.
Hatton's death was a surprise, as he had recently announced a comeback fight in December against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai. This announcement came two months after his announcement of retirement, following a loss to Vyacheslav Senchenko in 2012. Despite his retirement, Hatton's legacy as a two-weight world champion remains, having fought against the likes of Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather, and Manny Pacquiao.
Hatton's struggles with mental health were well-known, and his family released a statement expressing their grief and admiration for his positive outlook. The statement read, 'He was in a good place and excited for the future.'
The boxing community mourned the loss of a legend, with fans lining the streets of Manchester for his funeral procession. Sporting stars like Tyson Fury, Amir Khan, Wayne Rooney, and Liam Gallagher attended the service, paying their respects to a champion who had achieved great success in the ring.
As the inquest into Hatton's death continues, the cause of his death remains under investigation. The coroner's court hearing provided a preliminary report, stating that the cause of death was hanging. The inquest is scheduled to resume on March 20th, where further details may be revealed.
Hatton's passing serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness in the sports world. His openness about his struggles has likely inspired many, and his legacy will continue to impact the boxing community for years to come.
