Ricky Hatton cause of death confirmed inquest proceedings revealed that the former boxing world champion died by suicide at his home in Hyde Greater Manchester on September 14, 2025. An inquest opened at South Manchester Coroner Court on Thursday morning confirmed the provisional cause of death as hanging, just days after the British boxing legend was laid to rest at Manchester Cathedral.
Inquest Reveals Final Moments
The inquest heard that Paul Speak manager and longtime friend of The Hitman boxer found him unresponsive in his bedroom on the morning of September 14. Speak had arrived at the property to accompany Hatton to Manchester Airport for a scheduled flight to Dubai, where a press conference was planned to officially announce his boxing comeback planned for December 2025. Senior coroner Alison Mutch presided over the brief 15-minute hearing, which revealed that the Manchester boxer was last seen by his family on September 12 and appeared well at the time.
According to the coroner’s officer, Hatton missed a scheduled appearance at a boxing event on September 13, raising concerns among family and friends. The following morning, Speak made the tragic discovery when he arrived to collect the former world champion for their trip. Greater Manchester Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, with the case being referred to the coroner as per standard procedure.
Boxing Legend’s Illustrious Career
Known as “The Hitman,” Hatton became one of Britain’s most beloved fighters during his 15-year professional career from 1997 to 2012. The boxing world champion held multiple titles in both light-welterweight and welterweight divisions, winning 45 of his 48 professional fights. His legendary triumph over Kostya Tszyu at the AO Arena in Manchester in 2005 secured his first world title and cemented his status among British boxing’s elite.
The Stockport-born fighter faced some of boxing’s biggest names during his career, including epic showdowns against Floyd Mayweather in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009. Despite losses to both pound-for-pound champions, Hatton’s fighting spirit and humble nature endeared him to millions of fans worldwide. His planned comeback against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai would have marked his return to the ring 13 years after his final professional bout in 2012.
Emotional Funeral and Tributes
Thousands of mourners lined the streets of Manchester on October 12 as the British boxing legend was laid to rest at Manchester Cathedral. The funeral procession stopped at significant landmarks including Hatton’s local pub, the Cheshire Cheese in Hyde, his boxing gym, and the AO Arena where he claimed his first world championship. High-profile attendees included Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, boxing stars Tyson Fury, Frank Bruno, Tony Bellew, and Amir Khan, along with former Manchester United player Wayne Rooney and ex-England cricket captain Andrew Flintoff.
During the emotional service, Hatton’s daughters delivered heartfelt tributes to their father. His 13-year-old daughter Millie shared, “My heart is in a million and one pieces that you aren’t with me, but everyone else loves you dearly. I wake up every morning wishing you were here.” She expressed sadness about the milestones her father would miss, including walking her down the aisle and meeting future grandchildren.
Mental Health Advocacy and Struggles
Throughout his life, the former world champion spoke openly about his mental health struggles, particularly with depression and alcohol issues following his retirement from boxing. In a 2023 Sky documentary, Hatton candidly discussed how boxing gave him purpose during his darkest moments and became a vocal advocate for men’s mental health awareness. His son Campbell Hatton, 24, appeared on ITV’s Good Morning Britain before the inquest, revealing that mental health was “something we spoke about for quite a long time, even before my dad passed away.”
Campbell described the family as “completely heartbroken” by the sudden loss, stating they had “so many plans coming up” with his father. The younger Hatton, who followed in his father’s footsteps as a professional boxer, spoke at the funeral about looking up to his dad “in every aspect of life,” emphasizing that his admiration was “fuelled by the love I had and always will have for him.”
Full Inquest Scheduled for March 2026
The South Manchester Coroner Court adjourned the inquest until March 20, 2026, when a full hearing will take place to gather testimonies and review additional evidence. According to Sky Sports, coroner Alison Mutch expressed her condolences to the Hatton family through Paul Speak manager, who represented the family at Thursday’s proceedings. No family members attended the brief opening session.
The boxing world continues to mourn the loss of a champion who never forgot his humble roots despite achieving wealth and fame. Hatton’s legacy extends beyond his achievements in the ring, remembered as much for his advocacy work and honest discussions about mental health as for his fighting prowess. His courage in sharing his personal battles helped countless individuals facing similar challenges, cementing his status as a champion both inside and outside the boxing ring.
