RICKY Hatton’s mum today told an inquest into his death how the boxing legend “almost broke my ribs” in a tragic final hug.
The former world champion – known as “The Hitman” – was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater , on September 14.
Ricky Hatton was found dead at home last SeptemberCredit: Getty
The boxing legend won four world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweightCredit: Reuters
Paul Speak, Ricky’s manager, arrives with son Campbell and dad RayCredit: MEN MEDIA
Jennifer Dooley (left) told inquest Ricky was “always proud” of the two daughters they sharedCredit: PA
Greater Manchester confirmed his death is not being treated as suspicious.
In a heartbreaking statement, Ricky’s mum Carol told the court about the final time she saw her son two days before he died.
She said they talked about him returning to the ring and were planning a visit when Ricky returned from a scheduled trip to Dubai as he wanted to discuss his finances with his dad.
Carol told the inquest that her son’s “eyes were sad” and said the “last hug he gave me almost broke my ribs”.
The court was told Ricky was found hanged by his manager Paul Speak in the games room of his home.
There was an empty bottle of wine on the pool table and a half full glass of wine on the bar.
No note was found and the lights were off but music was playing from a TV.
Ricky’s son Campbell told the inquest his dad had battled with his mental health and alcohol issues but the family felt he was “in the best place he had been in for years”.
He also said he believed Ricky’s death “wasn’t premeditated” as he had planned a trip to Thailand and Dubai.
Paying tribute, Jennifer Dooley, the mother of Hatton’s two daughters, said he was a “fun-loving daddy” who had been making “positive plans”.
She said they have been left “heartbroken” by his death and that there was a “significant hole in their lives”.
During his 15-year career, Ricky won four world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweight.
After trading blows with some of history’s greatest fighters, he became known as one of the greatest UK boxers of his generation.
He won 45 of his 48 fights – including against greats such as Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo – but suffered knockout loses to Floyd Mayweather Jr and .
Ricky was awarded an MBE in 2007 and had worked as a boxing promoter and trainer since hanging up his gloves.
He was scheduled to return to boxing in December this year with a professional bout.
Away from the ring, he became an ambassador for mental health charities and the Manchester-based Barnbaus, which supports homeless and vulnerable people.
Ricky was vocal about his own struggle with and bravely opened up in 2012 about his battle with alcohol abuse and drug addiction.
How to get help
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org , 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org , 116 123
The Ricky Hatton Foundation has now been launched in his name aimed at helping others.
Its website said Ricky was “open and honest about his own struggles with mental health”.
The foundation added: “The Ricky Hatton Foundation — a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of current and former sportspeople.
“Ricky inspired millions with his courage, honesty, and heart. Away from the lights, he also spoke openly about his own battles — reminding us that even the toughest fighters can struggle.
“Through this foundation, we aim to turn that honesty into hope, helping others find the support they need when the fight feels hardest.
“The foundation will raise funds and awareness to provide access to mental health services, community programmes, and educational campaigns across sport.
“It will also continue to build on Ricky’s incredible legacy — one built on courage, compassion, and connection.“Together, we can make sure no fighter fights alone.”
The inquest continues.
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
Ricky was awarded an MBE in 2007Credit: Getty
The boxer fights Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2007Credit: PA
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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