Author: Sean Crose

“The preliminary cause of death is hanging.” This was said by senior coroner Alison Mitch from Manchester South in the UK. She was referring to the death of former world champion Ricky Hatton, whose body was found in his home on September 14. The news that the popular fighter had committed suicide made this tragic story even more tragic. Indeed, thousands of people attended Hatton’s funeral in England last week, including former world champion and Hatton’s friend Tyson Fury. The fighter known as The Hit Man left behind a son, who is also a boxer, and two daughters.

Apart from a failed comeback attempt in 2012, Hatton has only lost two of his 48 fights, and those fights were against two legends. In behind schedule 2007, he was knocked out by Floyd Mayweather after giving Mayweather a good showing early on. Then, in 2009, Hatton was crushed in the second round by a brutal shot by Manny Pacquiao. That was the end of Hatton’s time as a strongman in boxing, but he still did enough to earn a solid reputation. He was popular and stimulating, as well as a talented and powerful warrior. Indeed, in 2024, the man was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, which means that he was indeed one of the best fighters in the world during his career.

But there was a darker side to the life Hatton led. Although sociable and reserved, the likable Englishman suffered from depression, drugs and alcohol. Early in his career, Hatton made featherlight of the fact that he liked to drink and gain weight between fights. However, as time passed and the man struggled with his demons, there was no humor in his life anymore. Suffice it to say, Hatton’s death hit the boxing community strenuous. No matter what he was going through personally, he was always one of the more likeable players.

Tyson Fury in particular seemed to really admire the man and happily talked about Hatton’s fight live and in person. “When I was a little kid,” Fury said, “he fought for the world title in Manchester against Kostya Tszyu, and I was there with other little kids who were also inspired by Ricky.” This man will undoubtedly be seen as the shining star of a very glowing era of English boxing… and boxing in general. After all, the man found himself in the main event of two massive pay-per-view cards. He will definitely not be forgotten.

Suffice it to say that Boxing Insider offers its prayers and condolences to Ricky Hatton and his family and immediate circle. Rest in peace.