Ricky Hatton inquest to uncover circumstances of boxing legend's death

The inquest into the circumstances around the tragic death of boxing legend Ricky Hatton is due to be heard today.

The star was found at his £1.7million home in Hyde, Greater Manchester on September 14 last year at the age of just 46. His body was found 'unresponsive' by his long-time manager and friend Paul Speak.

The earlier hearing was told Ricky was last seen alive by family members on September 12 and had “appeared well". The next day he failed to attend an event and on the morning of September 14, Mr Speak arrived at the house to take him to Manchester Airport.

• Ricky Hatton’s final hours shared by friend as new inquest gets underway

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But Mr Speak found Ricky “unresponsive” inside the house. A post-mortem examination was carried out. The full results weren’t known at the time, but a provisional cause of death was given as ‘hanging’. Coroner Alison Mutch passed on her condolences to the family.

The hearing is de to take place at Manchester South coroners court in Stockport. Ricky’s son Campbellhas spoken of his dad’s mental health problems: “It’s something that we spoke about for quite a long time, even before my dad passed away. I always knew [he had mental health issues]. Obviously, there was a lot of very bad times for my dad. I was present for a lot of them, as much as people would try and keep me away from it.”

He said the family was overwhelmed as tens of thousands lined the streets for Ricky’s funeral at Manchester cathedral. He said: “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind in the last few weeks leading up to the funeral. It was unbelievable really to see the amount of love everyone had for my dad. There were thousands in the streets.

“There was a lot of comfort to take from that. It’s been very up and down really. As a family we’re trying to take each day at a time. He always said that he was more proud of his fanbase than he was all the belts and the titles. It was obvious how much he was loved, but to actually see everyone in the streets, it was surreal.”

Mr Speak has previously spoken about finding Ricky's body, saying: “I firmly believe he didn't intend to do it... he had it all to live for.” He recalled the “shock and confusion” when he let himself in before “hearing music coming from upstairs”.

Mr Speak 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. 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.”

Ricky had arranged to take his daughters Millie and Fearne to see Oasis, and was planning a Christmas holiday to Tenerife and a boxing comeback. The former world champion had revealed his suicidal thoughts and problems with addiction in the past but his family have said he was in a “good place” before his death.

Ricky had appeared in good spirits in the days before his death. His final post on Instagram showed him keeping fit in the gym ahead of a highly-anticipated return to the ring in December. He also filmed an uplifting video in his final week for a child who was the victim of bullying.

He was due to board a flight to Dubai just a day after his death to sign a contract confirming his comeback to boxing with a bout against Eisa Al Dah. Mr Speak added: “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.”

In an emotional statement after Ricky’s death, his family said: “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.”