Former two-weight world champion boxer Ricky Hatton’s provisional cause of death was suicide, a coroner’s court has been told.
Hatton, who was 46, was found dead by his manager and friend Paul Speak at his Greater Manchester home on September 14.
Tributes from the world of sport quickly poured in once the news broke, with the 46-year-old being a much-loved figure.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said there were no suspicious circumstances and referred his death to the coroner.
The inquest began at South Manchester Coroner’s Court in Stockport on Thursday (October 16).
Senior coroner Alison Mutch oversaw the inquest’s opening as the court was told that Hatton was found ‘unresponsive’ at his home on September 14.
The provisional cause of death was judged as ‘hanging’ ahead of a full inquest set for March 20, 2026.
Speak told the court that he was due to accompany Hatton on a flight from Manchester to Dubai before the pair were due to attend a press conference in relation to the boxer's exhibition bout scheduled for December.
Hatton's funeral took place at Manchester Cathedral on October 12 with hundreds of high-profile figures from the world of sport and entertainment attending while others gathered along the area's roads to pay their respects.
The Stockport-born fighter retired from boxing with a record of 45 wins from his 48 fights, with his three losses coming against Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Vyacheslav Senchenko.
Hatton's son, Campbell, 24, explained how the family had been left “heartbroken” by Ricky’s sudden death and, in an interview with ITV News, claimed: "We had so many plans coming up, so it has knocked us for six, but obviously, we are trying to be there for each other.”
The 24-year-old also spoke at his father's funeral last week.
"Growing up I looked up to my dad in every aspect of life whether it be following in a career in boxing like he did or the way he carried himself out of the ring," Campbell said.
"But all of that was fuelled by the love I had and always will have for him."
The 46-year-old spoke openly about his battles with depression throughout his life and became an advocate for men's mental health.
Hatton will be remembered as not only a world champion boxer but in many ways a champion of the people who never forgot his humble roots despite experiencing wealth and fame.
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Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Ricky Hatton, Boxing
Luke Davies