Ricky Hatton’s Heartbreaking Message to Friend Who Died a Month Before Boxer

Ricky Hatton was battling grief after a friend killed himself in the days before the British boxing legend was himself found dead.

Hatton, 46, was found dead in his Manchester home on Sunday morning.

He had been due to fly out to Dubai to sign a contract for an exhibition fight in December but had not been seen since last Thursday.

According to the Daily Mail, Hatton told a fellow boxer at his gym that he had a 'problem with his elbow' and joked about his age.

Per the report, he had just attended the funeral of his friend David Leigh, who died in August after taking his own life.

In an emotional post on social media, Hatton wrote: "We say goodbye to our mate @daveleigh4758 today. I wish you could have reached out to us mate. There was so many there for you. Give you a top send off today. See you shortly. Rick. X."

Ricky Hatton's friend David Leigh took his own life. Image: Getty

Hatton's long-time manager Paul Speak found his body at his home in Hyde on Sunday after the former world champion failed to attend a show to watch a boxing event in Manchester the night before.

Greater Manchester Police have said they are not treating his death as suspicious, while the South Manchester coroner has not revealed the preliminary cause of death.

Hatton, who spoke openly about his battle with mental health problems and addiction, was booked on to a flight to Dubai on Monday but was found dead 24 hours before he was due to take off from Manchester airport.

He was scheduled to face UAE fighter Eisa Al Dah in an exhibition contest in December.

Ricky Hatton was due to return to the ring in December. Image: Getty

Hatton called time on his legendary professional career following his defeat to Manny Pacquiao in 2009.

He later resumed his career when he fought Vyacheslav Senchenko in 2012.

A money-spinning exhibition was planned before his tragic death.