A court in Manchester opened and adjourned an inquest into Ricky Hatton’s death on Thursday. The former boxing world champion, aged 46, died last month.
The brief hearing took place at Stockport Coroner’s Court, where officials shared details of how Hatton was found unresponsive. Senior coroner Alison Mutch described the session as a “straightforward legal step” required before the full inquest resumes on March 20.
Hatton’s manager and long-time friend Paul Speak discovered him at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14. Speak had driven there to collect Hatton for a flight to Dubai, where the boxer planned a comeback fight in December.
“The provisional cause of death is given as hanging,” said Mutch.
Boxing Legend Remembered by Fans and Stars
The court heard that Hatton was last seen by his family on September 12 and appeared to be in good health. When he failed to attend an event the next day, Speak visited his house and found him unresponsive, according to police coroner’s officer Alison Catlow.
Fans filled the streets of Manchester for Hatton’s funeral procession last week. Tyson Fury, Amir Khan, Wayne Rooney, and Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher were among those who attended the service at Manchester Cathedral.
Hatton’s death shocked the sporting world, coming only two months after his planned return to professional boxing was announced. He had scheduled a bout against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai, marking his first fight since losing to Vyacheslav Senchenko in 2012.
A Career and Legacy That Transcended the Ring
During his peak, Hatton won world titles in two weight classes — light-welterweight and welterweight. He fought some of boxing’s biggest names, including Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather, and Manny Pacquiao, earning a reputation as one of Britain’s most beloved fighters.
After retirement, Hatton spoke openly about his mental health battles, becoming an advocate for awareness in sports.
Following his passing, Hatton’s family released a statement describing him as being “in a good place” and “excited for the future.”
His death marked the end of an era for British boxing — and for millions of fans who adored “The Hitman” for his grit, heart, and humility both inside and outside the ring.
