Hatton death: Manager says he didn’t intend to take his own life as details emerge of his final days

Ricky Hatton’s longtime manager said he firmly believed the former world boxing champion did not intend to die, describing the moment he found Hatton dead at his home in Hyde, Manchester. Paul Speak said he let himself in after becoming concerned when he could not reach Hatton and heard music coming from upstairs. Hatton, 46, had been planning a boxing comeback and had a busy schedule in the days leading up to his death, including taking his daughters Millie and Fearne to see Oasis, a Christmas holiday planned to Tenerife, and a return to the ring that had generated widespread anticipation.

Speak recounted the moments that followed the discovery: the downstairs lights were off, which he initially took as a sign that Hatton had overslept. He said he went upstairs, found Hatton, and needed time to process the scene before contacting the authorities. While the coroner will determine the exact cause, Speak stressed that he believes Hatton did not intend to end his life, noting that he had “everything to live for.” The former boxer’s death has prompted a wave of tributes from within the sport and beyond as the investigation continues.

Hatton’s public activity in the days before his passing included a social media post showing him training in the gym, signaling his planned December comeback, and a video he had filmed in his final week aimed at supporting a child who had experienced bullying. He was scheduled to board a flight to Dubai the day after his death to sign a contract for a bout with Eisa Al Dah. His absence from a boxing event for one of the fighters on Saturday—an event he had been slated to attend—led to concern that prompted Speak to return to Hatton’s home the following morning.

The news drew swift and wide-ranging tributes from boxing figures and others who recalled Hatton’s influence on British boxing and his character away from the ring. Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who knew Hatton well, described him as the last of a rare breed of boxers and athletes who built their popularity without social media. Hearn praised Hatton’s integrity, noting that he gave time to everyone, from executives to those who cleaned up after events, and that Hatton often used his platform to help others rather than seek personal gain. Hearn’s remarks underscored Hatton’s reputation for openness and generosity in a sport often described as ruthless.

Hatton had long been open about his battles with drug and alcohol addiction and mental health struggles. In a 2017 interview, he spoke about contemplating suicide multiple times, describing a period after a high-profile defeat when he began drinking heavily and felt estranged from his family. He said he endured a difficult cycle during which drinking and drug use temporarily blunted painful memories and emotions, but ultimately deepened his depression. Those remarks, cited by family and friends in the wake of his death, highlighted the ongoing challenge of mental health within the sport and the importance of seeking help despite public success.

Tributes continued to pour in from boxing circles and fans who remembered Hatton not only for his achievements inside the ring but also for his role as an advocate for mental health and resilience. Hatton’s official cause of death had not been determined at the time of the initial reporting, with authorities saying the coroner would investigate to establish a formal cause.

Hatton’s family has asked for privacy as they process the loss, while a sport that has long celebrated his grit and dedication mourns a figure who left a lasting impact on fans and future generations of fighters alike.