Ricky Hatton, one of Britain's most beloved sportsmen, was given a heartfelt farewell on Friday, nearly a month after his tragic death at the age of 46. His manager, Paul Speak, who discovered him at his home in Greater Manchester, has called for the truth to come out, insisting the boxer did not intend to take his own life.
Speak found Hatton on September 14 when he went to accompany him to the airport for a flight to Dubai. Recounting the moment to Boxing News magazine, Speak said: 'The lights weren't on, which I thought was strange. I heard music coming from upstairs, so I went upstairs... I took a look at him... I had to take some time to process it.' He then called the police and ambulance.
Speak firmly believes Hatton was in a good place before his death, citing numerous plans the former boxer had made. 'He'd arranged to take his daughters to see Oasis next week. He was planning to go to Thailand for the WBC convention and a holiday after his fight. He'd just booked a flight to Tenerife for Christmas,' Speak said. 'He was in a really good place.'
Despite Hatton's previous struggles with mental health, Speak noted that if this had happened ten years ago, it would not have been such a shock. 'I've been with Ricky to the very highest mountains in boxing to the lowest chasm in life,' he added. An inquest into Hatton's death has yet to be held.
