Ricky Hatton died at the age of 46 on Sunday with the sporting world still reeling at the loss of a boxing icon. ‘The Hitman’ Hatton is one of the most cherished British boxers in history and was a multiple-weight world champion in a 48-fight career that saw him face the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde on Sunday and the Greater Manchester Police said that his death is not being treated as suspicious. Though he was a much-loved figure across Great Britain, Hatton struggled with mental health and was very open about his battles in the years before his passing. Speaking in 2022 to the BBC, Hatton admitted he felt worthless and suicidal after a defeat to Pacquaio back in 2009.
He explained: “I was suicidal. I tried killing myself several times. My problems happened when I got beat by Manny Pacquiao in two rounds, which ultimately meant ‘Ricky, you need to retire now.’
“I had fell out with my parents, I’d fell out with my trainer Billy Graham, so that is when it go rock bottom. So I just went on the war path. I was suicidal. I tried killing myself several times, couldn’t do it. So then I thought to myself I will drink and drug myself to death.”
Earlier than that, appearing on Loose Women on ITV in 2017, Hatton conceded the disappointment of his loss to Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas in 2007 also took its toll.
The boxer said: “After the [Floyd] Mayweather fight I started drinking a lot more heavily and ultimately I fell out with my parents and that was difficult for me and I did not care if I lived or died.
“I contemplated suicide many, many times. I started thinking of different ways to get through it and I thought I could drink myself to death. So consequently I got more depressed and I ended up taking drugs to enable me to drink more and it was a vicious circle.
“It was my first taste of defeat as a pro after 35 fights. Even though it was Floyd Mayweather, I turned up thinking I was going to beat him. I became so used to success and then all of a sudden it was like ‘I’m not used to this.'”
“I tried to kill myself several times,” he later told the BBC in another interview. “I used to go to the pub, come back, take the knife out and sit there in the dark crying hysterically.
“If a boxer can come out and say they’re struggling and crying every day, it’s going to make a huge difference. Having gone through it, I now see it as my job to help those suffering with mental health.”
Only in March this year, Hatton opened a new mental health unit at North Manchester General Hospital where he encouraged anyone struggling to speak up: “The main thing about mental health is people don’t speak about it.
Tributes poured in from all corners of the sporting world following his death and Hatton’s family issued a heartbreaking statement to celebrate his everlasting legacy on Monday morning. It read: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard.
“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. He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.
“As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support. It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.
“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy — both in boxing and as a man — will continue to live on.
“Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly. With love and gratitude, The Hatton Family.”
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.