Ricky Hatton’s cause of death has been confirmed in an inquest this morning (October 16).
An inquest into the death of Hatton began this morning, after the legendary boxer was found dead at his home in Hyde, Manchester, on September 14.
The two-weight boxing champion was found by manager and long-time friend Paul Speak.
A funeral for the star took place last Friday (October 10) at Manchester Cathedral, with numerous famous faces including Tyson Fury, former cricket star Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, as well as Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher and more.
Shortly after Hatton’s passing, Greater Manchester Police shared a statement that read: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man.
“There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”
Speaking to Boxing News, Hatton’s manager Speak who made the horrifying discovery, said: “The lights weren’t on, which I thought was strange.
“I thought he’d overslept, but it’s not unusual.
“People do oversleep. So, I went inside – I have a key – shouting, ‘Rick, Rick, wake up!’”
He added: “I heard music coming from upstairs, so I went upstairs… I took a look at him… I had to take some time to process it.
“I was in a state of shock and confusion and loss and many more emotions. Then I called the police and the ambulance.
“But I firmly believe he didn’t intend to do it. It’s for the coroner to determine, but he had it all to live for.”
This morning during the inquest, Senior coroner Alison Mutch revealed that his death was as a result of hanging.
Hatton will be remembered as one of the world‘s greatest boxers, after retiring from the sport in 2012 with a record of 45 wins and just three losses.
The boxer was also set to return to the ring this December to face Eisa Al Dah in Dubai.
Hatton’s family insisted the former world champion was ‘in a good place’ prior to his death, a doting father and grandfather, who had plans for the future.
Hatton had been candid about his mental health struggles with drink and drugs throughout his career, as well as past s**cide attempts after he retired from the ring.
The details of his cause of death were given during a brief 10-minute hearing, as the inquest into his death was opened and adjourned until March 20 next year.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National S**cide Prevention Lifeline in the USA at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
In the UK, the Samaritans are available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, emailing [email protected], or heading to the website to find your nearest branch.