Featured Image Credit: Getty/Dave Thompson
Topics: Boxing, Mental Health, Sport
Joshua Nair
An inquest has heard that late former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton took his own life.
Stockport Coroner's Court heard on Thursday (16 October) morning that the 46-year-old died by suicide.
Hatton's body was found by police at an address in Gee Cross, Tameside, Greater Manchester, on 14 September.
Following the discovery of his body, Greater Manchester Police released a statement, saying: "We can confirm that we have found a body at an address on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross at 6.45am today, Sunday, September 14.
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"The death is not being treated as suspicious."
The legendary boxer, known as 'The Hitman' during his career, was discovered by a member of the public, who alerted authorities.
Hatton boasted a record of 45 wins in 48 professional fights throughout his 15-year career, with a staggering 32 coming via knockout.
Fans were anticipating the Brit's comeback to the ring as he had announced a bout against Eisa Al Dah, 46, in a middleweight face-off in Dubai.
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Hatton had originally retired in 2012 when he was beaten by Vyacheslav Senchenko, but the sporting icon made a sensational return to the ring, albeit for an exhibition fight, against Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022.
The Stockport-born combat fighter's funeral took place on the streets of Greater Manchester on 10 October, as thousands of fans lined up to pay tribute to a true great.
In Hatton's last social media post before his death, he updated fans with the progress of his training ahead of his bout in Dubai.
He wrote on Instagram: "Evening run in the bag. Don’t your worry about that our kid," as well as a video of himself going through the paces on a treadmill, as he filmed himself covered in sweat.
Hatton had said that he was focused on his fitness in numerous posts prior to his death.
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Prior to his passing, Hatton spoke about his comeback, saying: "I'm very much looking forward to it myself, to be honest with you," telling the interviewer that 'what you're trying to do there for boxing in Dubai is fantastic.'
Aside from his impeccable boxing career, the former world champion was known for openly discussing his battles with mental health and depression over the years.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.