British boxing icon Ricky Hatton has bravely revealed the devastating truth behind his father's death and how it sent him spiralling into his own mental health crisis that nearly ended in tragedy.
The Day Everything Changed
In an emotional and raw interview, the former world champion disclosed that his father, also named Ricky Hatton, took his own life in 2020 after battling depression in silence. "He never spoke about his feelings," Hatton revealed, his voice heavy with emotion. "He was the life and soul of the party, always making everyone laugh, but inside he was suffering terribly."
A Downward Spiral
The tragedy triggered Hatton's own descent into darkness. "After Dad died, I hit rock bottom," the Manchester-born fighter confessed. "I found myself standing on a bridge, ready to end it all. I was in that same dark place he must have been in."
Hatton described how the pressures of boxing fame combined with his grief created a perfect storm of despair. "When you're a fighter, you're supposed to be tough, to never show weakness. But mental health doesn't care how many world titles you've won."
Breaking the Silence
Now, Hatton is using his platform to break the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among men. "We need to normalise talking about our feelings," he insists. "If my story can stop just one person from going through what my dad went through, what I went through, then sharing this pain will have been worth it."
The boxing legend has become an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness, working with charities and speaking openly about his ongoing journey. "I still have bad days," he admits, "but now I know it's okay to ask for help."
A Message of Hope
Hatton's story serves as a powerful reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of their public persona or perceived strength. "The toughest fight of my life wasn't in the ring," he concludes. "It was learning to be kind to myself and understanding that showing vulnerability isn't weakness - it's courage."
