Boxing legend Ricky Hatton has been found dead at his home in Gee Cross, Greater Manchester, at the age of 46. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a body was discovered at an address on Bowlacre Road at 6.45am on Sunday, September 14, and that the death is not being treated as suspicious. Hatton, one of Britain's most beloved sporting figures, had been open about his mental health struggles throughout his career.
The former world champion, who last fought professionally 13 years ago, was scheduled to return to the ring in December against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai. Despite his boxing success and an appearance on ITV's Dancing on Ice last year, Hatton faced significant personal challenges, including suicidal thoughts after his 2009 loss to Manny Pacquiao.
Hatton's troubles began after his first professional defeat against Floyd Mayweather in 2007, which he said was 'very hard for me to swallow.' He later fell out with his long-standing trainer Billy Graham and became estranged from his parents following a bitter money dispute in 2009, which included a physical altercation with his father.
In interviews, Hatton revealed the depth of his despair, saying he would sit alone at home and think, 'What do I need to be here for?' He told the Mirror: 'I had a knife at my wrist every night. I had the bottle to get in the ring with anyone but knew I couldn’t do the one thing I wanted to do. I didn’t have the bottle to slit my wrists.' He also admitted to panic attacks and crying, eventually thinking he would 'drink and drug myself to death.'
Hatton sought help from a psychiatrist after the birth of his daughter Millie, and he spoke openly about the stigma surrounding mental health, saying he did not want to burden his loved ones with his suicidal thoughts. He urged others to seek help, and his story highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by athletes after their careers end.
