Ricky Hatton, one of Britain’s most iconic and beloved sportsmen, was given a heartfelt farewell on Friday, nearly a month after his tragic death. His manager, Paul Speak, discovered him dead at his home in Greater Manchester, leading to an outpouring of grief from thousands who lined the streets to pay their respects.
The world of sport was left reeling when news of Hatton’s death broke on September 14. The boxer was a national treasure, adored by fans across the country.
An inquest into his death has yet to be held, but Speak, who found Hatton, is adamant that he wants “the truth to come out”. He firmly believes that Hatton “did not intend to do it”.
Speak had gone to Hatton’s house to accompany him to the airport for a flight to Dubai. He told Boxing News magazine: “The lights weren’t on, which I thought was strange. I thought he’d overslept, but it’s not unusual. People do oversleep. So, I went inside – I have a key – shouting, ‘Rick, Rick, wake up!’
“I heard music coming from upstairs, so I went upstairs… I took a look at him… I had to take some time to process it.
“I was in a state of shock and confusion and loss and many more emotions. Then I called the police and the ambulance.
“But I firmly believe he didn’t intend to do it. It’s for the coroner to determine, but he had it all to live for.”
Speak insisted that Hatton was “in a really good place” before his untimely death at 46, and had been making numerous plans. This sentiment is echoed by other family members and friends despite his previous mental health struggles.
He added: “He’d arranged to take his daughters to see Oasis next week. He was planning to go to Thailand for the WBC convention and a holiday after his fight. He’d just booked a flight to Tenerife for Christmas.
“I want to get the truth out, otherwise people will just speculate.
“There’s been a lot of rubbish written about Ricky and his parents, but he’d seen his mum just last week; gave her a big hug and some love.
“He was going to see his dad after getting back from Dubai.
“His daughters had never seen him box, so he was excited for that. So many things for him to live for – he was in a really good place.”
Hatton had previously spoken candidly about his struggles with mental health and Paul admitted his friend’s death wouldn’t have come as “such a shock” had it occurred a decade earlier.
He said: “If this was 10 years ago, it wouldn’t have been as big a shock as it was.
“I’ve been with Ricky to the very highest mountains in boxing to the lowest chasm in life.”
