Boxing icon Ricky Hatton had already packed his luggage in preparation for a flight scheduled for the day after he tragically took his own life, his son revealed during a coroner's hearing today. Campbell Hatton, aged 24, stated at Stockport Coroner's Court that he did not believe his father's decision to end his life was pre-meditated, highlighting the former champion's plans and ongoing struggles.
Details from the Inquest Hearing
Mr Hatton, who died at his £1.7 million mansion in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14 at age 46, was found unresponsive by his long-time manager and friend Paul Speak early that morning. In a statement read to the court, Campbell described his father as a happy and laid-back individual, except when it came to sport and competition. He noted that Ricky Hatton lived life at 110 percent, both in and out of the ring, but faced significant mental health battles and issues with alcohol and cocaine after retiring from boxing.
Memory Decline and Final Days
Campbell expressed that his father seemed to be in the best place for years, yet family members had observed a significant decline in his short-term memory over the previous two years. This led to him repeating things constantly and needing to write things down or be reminded about daily activities, including on the evening before his death. Despite this, Mr Hatton had made plans to visit his parents upon returning from a trip to Dubai, where he was organizing a comeback fight.
Campbell, who attended the hearing, added that his father was always generous with loved ones and extremely well-loved by all. Family and friends present in court included Hatton's father Ray, 75, brother Matthew, 44, ex-girlfriend Jennifer Dooley, 44, and manager Paul Speak. A previous hearing revealed that Mr Hatton, who lived alone, was last seen alive by family on September 12, appearing well, but he failed to attend an expected event the next day.
Discovery and Aftermath
On the morning of September 14, Mr Speak arrived at the house to take Mr Hatton to Manchester Airport for a flight, but found him unresponsive with a ligature around his neck. In the days following, Mr Speak told Boxing News he initially thought his friend had overslept, describing the shock and confusion upon discovering the scene. He noted that Mr Hatton was in a really good place before his death, with plans to take his daughters to see Oasis, travel to Thailand for a boxing convention, and visit Tenerife for Christmas.
His main focus, however, was on Dubai, where he was due to sign a contract for a comeback fight in December against Abu Dhabi's Eisa Al Dah. Following the death, Campbell told ITV's Good Morning Britain that the family was struggling to comprehend the loss, taking each day at a time. Stars like Liam Gallagher, Wayne Rooney, and Tyson Fury attended a private memorial service at Manchester Cathedral in October.
Legacy and Tributes
Nicknamed 'the Hitman', Ricky Hatton was an aggressive and brave fighter who held multiple world and UK titles between 1997 and 2012. He was renowned for his 2005 victory over Kostya Tszyu in his hometown, which made him a boxing legend overnight and won him a loyal fanbase. Reflecting on the love shown at his funeral, Campbell said his father was more proud of his fans than his belts and titles, describing the surreal sight of streets filled with mourners.
Tributes were shared by Campbell, who followed his father into boxing, as well as his daughters Fearne, 12, and Millie, 13, at the service. Last month, Campbell, who retired from the sport last year, confirmed he would step back into the ring for a tribute fight against Kell Brook in Dubai next month, with his cousins Jack and Lola also set to participate.
Mental Health and Final Moments
Mr Hatton, awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2007, had openly discussed his mental health struggles, including suicidal thoughts and addiction issues. However, friends believed he was in a better place shortly before his death, with his final Instagram post showing him keeping fit in the gym ahead of his anticipated return. He also filmed an uplifting video for a bullied child in his final week. Mr Speak remarked that if this had happened 10 years ago, it wouldn't have been as shocking, having been with Ricky through the highest mountains and lowest chasms of life.
