Former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton’s cause of death given at inquest

Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton was found hanged, an inquest has heard.

Stockport Coroner’s Court was told Hatton’s manager, Paul Speak, found him “unresponsive” on 14 September when he arrived to take him to Manchester Airport.

Hatton was last seen on 12 September, when his family said he appeared “well”, but the following day he didn’t show up as an event as expected.

Mr Speak was at the brief 10-minute inquest hearing on Thursday morning, but his family didn’t attend. It was adjourned until 20 March.

The boxer spoke about his personal life and continuing mental health battles in a 2023 Sky documentary.

Hatton was the most popular British fighter of his era and tens of thousands of British fans followed him stateside for his biggest fights.

Nicknamed “The Hitman”, he won light welterweight and welterweight titles and fought legends such as Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

In July, he announced was coming out of retirement for a December bout in Dubai, 13 years on from his last pro fight.

Hatton was meant to be flying there on the day he was found.

Thousands turned out on the streets of Greater Manchester last week to pay their respects and the likes of Liam Gallagher, Andrew Flintoff, Wayne Rooney and Tyson Fury attended the service,

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

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