Ricky Hatton died by suicide, an inquest into his death has heard. According to a provisional cause of death, Stockport Coroner’s Court heard the Manchester boxer – who famously fought Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather – killed himself.
Hatton’s body was discovered at an address in Tameside, Greater Manchester, on 14 September. The 46-year-old – nicknamed “The Hitman” – won titles in the light welterweight and welterweight divisions during his career.
Police at the time said: “There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.” Tributes have poured in across the world of sport and beyond following the death of former world welterweight champion since hos passing.
“Heartbroken isn’t the word,” his son Campbell recently captioned the series of family photos. “Everybody has always said I was your double – never a truer word said. Looked up to you in every aspect of life.”
He added: “Can’t explain how much I’m going to miss the laughs we had and all the good times, which I will remember forever. Just can’t believe we won’t have any more. Love you, Dad.”
Hatton’s family issued a statement via police, saying they were “deeply moved” by the outpouring of love and support towards him. “Richard was so much more than a world champion.
“To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather and brother, and a true friend to many,” the statement read.
“He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
“To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions – a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.”
The Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, said the city would consider how best to honour Hatton’s memory properly. Burnham said Hatton’s death was “hard to take in”.
He added: “Ricky was much loved by so many in Greater Manchester. He was the kind of person who would always turn up for people, supporting so many causes. He made us smile and made us proud.
“We will find a way of honouring him properly.
“Rest in peace, Champ.”
