Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton was more than twice over the drink drive limit at the time of his death, an inquest has heard.
The 46-year-old was last seen by his family on 12 September when he appeared “well”, but he failed to appear at an event the following day.
On the morning of Sunday 14 September 2025, his manager Paul Speak arrived at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, to take him to the airport to catch a flight to Dubai, but he was found “unresponsive”.
Alison Mutch, senior coroner for South Manchester, ruled at the conclusion of his inquest that it was unclear whether he intended to take his own life.
Despite past troubles with alcohol and drugs, he had been the best “in years”, his family told Stockport Coroner’s Court.
The death of Hatton, described as a doting father and grandfather, left his family heartbroken and his army of fans stunned.
His inquest heard Hatton took his teenage daughters and granddaughter out to a pub for a meal on the evening of 12 September last year, where he had appeared normal.
After dropping them off, he told them he would see them in a couple of days after his trip to the UAE, where he was due to take part in an exhibition boxing match, the court heard.
Two days later he was found in the upstairs games room of his house by Mr Speak, with his official cause of death given as hanging.
Tests showed the former Dancing On Ice contestant had consumed alcohol, while traces of previous use of cocaine and cannabis were also found.
Post-mortem evidence showed some damage to his brain, identified as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) associated with boxing.
Alison Mutch, senior coroner for South Manchester, told the court, attended by the boxer’s father, son and ex-partner and mother of his daughters, that no notes had been found from Hatton and there was no information uncovered by police to suggest he was planning to take his own life.
Concluding the inquest, she said: “He had made significant future plans and no notes were found indicating he intended to take his own life.
“I have listened very carefully to all the evidence. When I add everything together, I cannot be satisfied he intended to take his own life.
“Therefore, it is not possible in law for me to conclude suicide. I have concluded a narrative verdict.
“His intention remains unclear as he was under the influence of alcohol and the neuropathological post-mortem found evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy and that’s the conclusion I draw.”
Hatton’s son Campbell broke down in tears at the conclusion of the inquest and was hugged by his grandfather, Ray Hatton, 75.
Tributes poured in from across the world of boxing and the wider sporting community for Hatton, a proud Mancunian and avid Manchester City supporter.
In a statement, his family said: “Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us, he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many.
“He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
“To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions – a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.”
Likeable, humble and a joker, Hatton, also known as “The Hitman”, was regarded as a “People’s Champion” and adored by thousands of fans.
His all-action fighting style and down-to-earth demeanour made him one of the most popular fighters on both sides of the Atlantic.
He had also been candid about his mental health, struggles with drink and drugs and past suicide attempts after he retired from the ring for a second time following an ill-advised comeback in 2012.
Thousands lined the streets for his funeral at Manchester Cathedral, attended by celebrities including Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and boxers Tyson and Tommy Fury.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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