Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Pat Hurst

Inquest to be held into death of boxing champion Ricky Hatton

Promoter Ricky Hatton is interviewed during the weigh in at Manchester Central. - (PA Archive)

An inquest into the death of former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton will be held later on Friday.

A provisional cause of death of hanging had been given at a pre-inquest hearing, when brief details into the death of the 46-year-old were made public.

Hatton was last seen by his family on September 12 when he appeared “well”, Stockport Coroner’s Court heard.

But the day after, he did not attend an event as expected.

On the morning of Sunday the 14th, his manager Paul Speak, arrived at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, to take him to Manchester Airport to catch a flight to Dubai.

Mr Speak found Mr Hatton, “unresponsive”.

The death of Hatton, a doting father and grandfather, left his family heartbroken and his army of fans stunned.

Tributes poured in from across the world of boxing and the wider sporting community for Hatton, a proud Mancunian and avid Manchester City supporter.

Likeable, humble and a joker, Hatton, also known as “The Hitman”, was regarded as a “People’s Champion” and adored by thousands of fans.

His all-action fighting style and down-to-earth demeanour made him one of the most popular fighters on both sides of the Atlantic.

Hatton’s family insisted the former world champion was “in a good place”, who had plans for the future including his bags packed for a comeback fight in Dubai in December.

But Hatton had also been candid about his mental health, struggles with drink and drugs and past suicide attempts after he retired from the ring for a second time following an ill-advised comeback in 2012.

Thousands lined the streets for his funeral at Manchester Cathedral, attended by celebrities including Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and boxers Tyson and Tommy Fury.

Hatton’s inquest will begin at noon at Stockport Coroner’s Court.

The Samaritans can be called free on 116 123, or email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.