A court in Manchester opened and adjourned an inquest on Thursday into the death of former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton. The 46-year-old boxing legend died last month.
Stockport Coroner’s Court heard details about the moment Hatton was found unresponsive. The hearing opened briefly before being adjourned until March 20.
“This is a straightforward legal step required by law to move forward,” said Alison Mutch, senior coroner for Manchester South.
Hatton’s manager and long-time friend Paul Speak discovered him at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14. Speak had gone there to drive Hatton to the airport for a flight to Dubai, where he planned to stage a comeback fight in December.
Mutch confirmed the provisional cause of death as hanging.
Boxing Legend’s Final Days
Police coroner’s officer Alison Catlow told the court Hatton was last seen by his family on September 12, appearing “well.” He did not attend an event he was expected at the following day. When Speak arrived at his home on the morning of September 14, he found Hatton unresponsive.
The tragedy shocked the boxing world and fans across Britain. Hatton’s funeral procession drew thousands to the streets of Manchester last week. Sporting icons Tyson Fury, Amir Khan, and Wayne Rooney, along with Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, attended the service at Manchester Cathedral.
News of Hatton’s death came just two months after his surprise announcement that he would return to professional boxing in Dubai against Eisa Al Dah.
Remembering a Champion’s Career and Legacy
Hatton’s death ended the story of one of Britain’s most beloved fighters. He last fought in 2012, losing to Vyacheslav Senchenko, the final bout of his three career defeats.
At his peak, Hatton claimed world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight and fought global icons including Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather, and Manny Pacquiao.
In later years, Hatton spoke openly about his mental health struggles, earning respect for his honesty outside the ring.
After his passing, his family released a statement saying he was “in a good place” and “excited for the future.”
The inquest into Hatton’s death will resume in March, as fans, friends, and the boxing community continue to mourn a fighter who defined an era in British sport.
