British boxing legend Ricky Hatton has delivered a heartbreakingly honest account of his darkest moments, confessing he genuinely believed he was going to die following the final fight of his career.
In a powerful and wide-ranging interview with renowned broadcaster Steve Bunce, the former two-weight world champion pulled no punches in discussing the severe mental health challenges that plagued him after retiring from the ring.
The Final Bell: A Moment of Terror
Hatton's revelation centres on his devastating loss to Vyacheslav Senchenko in November 2012, a fight that was meant to mark his triumphant comeback. Instead, a ninth-round body shot left him crumpled on the canvas in his hometown of Manchester.
"I thought that was me dying," Hatton confessed to Bunce, describing the visceral fear that consumed him in those seconds. The moment signified far more than just a lost bout; it was the shattering of a comeback dream and the trigger for a deep downward spiral.
A Champion's Struggle Outside the Ring
The 'Hitman' detailed the profound emptiness and depression that followed retirement. The adrenaline rush of fighting in front of 50,000 fans was replaced by a void, leading him to what he described as a "very, very close call" with suicide.
Hatton spoke candidly about his battles with substance abuse and weight gain, painting a picture of a champion utterly lost without the sport that had defined him since childhood. His testimony highlights the often-overlooked psychological toll a life in elite sports can take.
Redemption and a New Purpose
Now, Hatton's story is one of remarkable resilience. He has since channelled his experiences into his work as a successful boxing trainer and promoter, guiding the next generation of fighters.
His honest dialogue with Bunce is being hailed as one of the most significant and moving interviews in recent boxing history. It’s a stark reminder of the man behind the champion's persona and a powerful contribution to the ongoing conversation about mental health in sports.
By sharing his journey from the depths of despair to a place of stability and purpose, Ricky Hatton has arguably landed one of his most impactful blows yet—a knockout punch against stigma.
