A post-mortem examination has found signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton, who died in September 2025. The condition, a degenerative brain disease, is thought to be linked to repeated blows to the head.
CTE causes the death of nerve cells in the brain and worsens over time, leading to dementia. It has been identified in other athletes, including footballers, rugby players, and American football players. Experts found that Hatton, aged 46, had degenerative changes consistent with CTE at the milder end of the spectrum, causing memory loss and cognitive impairment.
At an inquest held on Friday, a pathologist recorded the cause of death as hanging, with no evidence to suggest suspicious circumstances. The disease can only be formally diagnosed after death during an autopsy of the brain.
The NHS lists early symptoms of CTE as personality changes, mood swings, and aggression, with later symptoms including confusion, short-term memory loss, and problems with movement or planning. Symptoms often appear around ten years after repeated head injuries.
While CTE is rare, those at higher risk include athletes in contact sports, military personnel with blast injuries, and victims of prolonged physical abuse such as domestic violence. The only known prevention is avoiding repeated head injuries, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms.
For emotional support, the Samaritans can be contacted 24/7 on 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org.
