An inquest has confirmed that former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton died by hanging at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on 14 September, aged 46.
The brief hearing at Stockport Coroner’s Court heard that Hatton’s body was discovered by his long-time manager and close friend Paul Speak, who attended on behalf of the family.
Coroner Alison Mutch said Hatton had last been seen alive by relatives on 12 September, and that he “appeared well” at the time. When he failed to attend an event the following day, Mr Speak went to his home to collect him for a flight to Dubai.
Arriving on the morning of 14 September, Mr Speak found Hatton “unresponsive” with a ligature around his neck. The coroner confirmed a provisional cause of death as hanging, adding that police and witness statements including from Hatton’s GP will form part of the full investigation. The case was adjourned until 20 March 2026.
Speaking previously to Boxing News, Mr Speak recalled the moment he discovered Hatton:
“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!’ I heard music coming from upstairs, so I went up. I had to take some time to process. I was in a state of shock and confusion and loss.”
Mr Speak said Hatton had been “in a really good place,” planning to take his daughters to see Oasis, attend a boxing convention in Thailand, spend Christmas in Tenerife, and fight Abu Dhabi’s Eisa Al Dah in December.
Earlier today, Hatton’s son Campbell spoke about his father’s passing on Good Morning Britain, saying the family was “taking each day at a time.”
“It has been very up and down, really,” he said. “He always said he was more proud of his fanbase than all the belts and titles.”
Thousands lined the streets of Manchester last month to pay their respects as Hatton’s funeral cortege passed through Hyde, ending with a private memorial at Manchester Cathedral.
Among the mourners were Liam Gallagher, Wayne Rooney, and Tyson Fury, while tributes were led by Hatton’s children Campbell, Fearne (12), and Millie (13).