Ricky Hatton's mother has spoken of her gratitude at having the chance to tell her son she loved him just three days before he died. Hatton, one of Britain's most-loved boxers and a former world champion, passed away aged 46 last September, having battled with depression throughout his life.
Hatton had been open in the past about his struggles with alcohol and drugs, and at the inquest into his death during March, the coroner concluded the official cause of death was hanging. Hatton also had a troubled relationship with his mum Carol and dad Ray and went long spells without speaking to his parents.
Chance encounter days before death
His mother has revealed she had a chance encounter with her son days before his death. "I pulled up on the car park because I saw his car," she told ITV Granada Reports. "He asked if everything was okay. I said 'Yeah, everything's fine.' I said I'd like to see a bit more of him. I'm so glad [I got to see him] because nobody knows when it's the last time you're going to see somebody."
Hatton's dad added: "Carol told him to always remember how much we all love him. You tell your grandkids how much you love them, you tell your wife how much you love them but I think, especially with men, don't ever be afraid of getting hold of your son and telling him you love him."
Plans to return to the ring
Hatton had been planning to return to the ring and was due to fly to Dubai to attend a press conference the day after he took his own life. His mother added: "He always used to do things that attracted attention. He wanted to make people laugh and smile."
"But they do say behind the biggest laugh and the biggest smile is the most pain. People who lose somebody are always saying 'What if? What if?' But nobody knows what goes on inside a person's mind. People say it's a selfish act but you don't know when that dark cloud comes."
Moving forward
"We will move forward because I know Richard will be looking down on his family. I really believe that. We have to move forward, living our lives, talking about him, remembering him and loving him."
