Matthew Hatton, the younger brother of boxing legend Ricky Hatton, has revealed that he has “always been worried” about his older sibling’s mental health. Matthew, 44, spoke out for the first time since the devastating news of Ricky’s death was confirmed last month.
Ricky, 46, was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14 by his manager and close friend Paul Speak. The death of the retired British boxer sent shock waves throughout the sporting world and beyond due to his immense popularity and legendary status in the sport.
Hatton was buried earlier this month, and last week a coroner revealed he was found hanged in his home. The full inquest is scheduled for March 20, 2026.
Speak arrived at Hatton’s home on the day of his death to accompany him to Dubai for a press conference announcing his return to fighting.
Matthew, also a former boxer, recently gave his first interview to ITV since his brother’s tragic death. He admitted that although he had always worried about Ricky due to his previous mental health struggles, he never believed that Ricky would take his own life.
He said: “I don’t think we’ve ever done that [think he would take his own life]. To be straightforward, I was always worried. I was talking to my partner all the time [about him] and of course we were very worried about Richard [with him] giving lots of interviews and such.
“I listened and was never convinced by what he was saying. He often talked about things that had happened many years ago and he didn’t seem to have any purpose now or a vision for the future. This always worried me.
“But actually this year is undoubtedly the best year of his career in a long time because he has had problems since he stopped boxing. It was really a shock that we didn’t expect at all.”
When asked if Ricky ever contacted him directly, Matthew revealed: “Not really. He was always very busy, he was everywhere. I know he talked to professionals regularly and that made it a little easier for me about the whole thing.”
Hatton was scheduled to return to the ring for the first time since 2012 to face Eisa Al Dah on December 2 in Dubai.
The Manchester legend is expected to be replaced by Kell Brook in the competition, which has been postponed to February 13.
Hatton often discussed his mental health issues publicly, trying to eliminate the shame that came with men showing emotions rather than hiding them.
Matthew continued: “Actually, I don’t think so [I haven’t processed what’s happened]. At first I was totally shocked and for the first few weeks I was visiting my mum and dad, visiting [Hatton’s son] Campbell, I just couldn’t answer the phone or talk to people.
“It was like a bad dream. Has it fully sunk in yet? I don’t know, probably not.”
Jaron Ennis is the bookmakers’ main favorite to defeat Xander Zayas in their highly anticipated world title clash on Saturday in Brooklyn.
Ennis challenges Zayas for the WBO and WBA super welterweight belts at the Barclays Center live on DAZN pay-per-view.
The undefeated resident of Philadelphia enters the game as the favorite on February 11 Bet365 give the 23-year-old his first professional defeat and become world champion in two weight categories.
“Boots” has stopped 31 of his 35 opponents, including Uisma Lima in his 154-pound debut in October, and is expected to stop the Puerto Rican on 20/21.
The 28-year-old last covered this distance in 2024, and a decision victory is valued at 13/2.
Zayas and Ennis face to face before the clash. Photo: Matchroom Boxing
Even though Zayas has taken over as unified champion, he is an underdog Bet365 at 15/04.
Man from San Juan defeated Abass Baraou by split decision will add the WBA belt to his WBO crown in January and his best chance of victory is rated at 13/2 by decision, while success in the shock break is rated at 14/1.
Jaron Ennis knocked out Uisma Lima in the first round in Philadelphia. Photo: Emma Brawley/Matchroom Boxing
Full Bet365 odds
The result of the fight
Xander Zayas will win the fight: 15/4
Xander Zayas by KO/TKO/DQ: 14/1
Xander Zayas by decision or technical decision: 13/2
Jaron Ennis will win the fight: 11/02
Jaron Ennis by KO/TKO/DQ: 20/21
Jaron Ennis by decision or technical: 8/5
Draw or technical draw: 14/1
Round bets
Xander Zayas
Win in round 1: 100/1
Win in round 2: 100/1
Win in round 3: 100/1
Win in round 4: 100/1
Win in round 5: 100/1
To win in round 6: 100/1
To win in round 7: 80/1
To win in round 8: 80/1
To win round 9: 66/1
To win in round 10: 66/1
To win round 11: 66/1
To win in round 12: 80/1
To win by decision or technical decision: 6/1
Zayas won by points decision over Abass Baraou. Source: Mikey Williams / top position
Jaron Ennis
To win round 1: 80/1
Win in round 2: 50/1
Win in round 3: 40/1
To win in round 4: 28/1
To win in round 5: 20/1
To win in round 6: 16/1
Win in round 7: 12/12
To win in round 8: 1/11
To win in round 9: 10/1
To win in round 10: 10/1
To win in round 11: 10/1
To win in round 12: 1/11
Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 7/4
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On Wednesday, Lewis Crocker heads to Australia to defend his IBF welterweight world title against Liam Paro for the first time.
Crocker will face Paro at the Pat Rafter Arena in Queensland, live on DAZN in the UK and Kayo Sports in Australia.
Crocker (22-0, 11 KO) became world champion in September, defeating Paddy Donovan twice before winning the rematch by split decision.
Man from Belfast recorded his second victory over Donovan after the first victory in March last year, and his rival was disqualified for hitting him after the bell.
Paro (27-1, 16 KO) is trying to become a world champion in two weight categories, having previously reigned in the super-lightweight division.
In September, Donovan was beaten a second time by Crocker. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
The 30-year-old won the title with a unanimous decision victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico before winning the belt in his first defense against Richardson Hitchins.
The Australian has since won twice, overtaking David Papot in his last appearance in September.
Paro looks like a two-time IBF champion. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom
McKean meets Taliva
Heavyweight Demsey McKean will look to continue his rebuild when he faces Liam Talivaa for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific title.
McKean (24-2, 16 KO) had his career cut miniature after a last-round loss to Filip Hrgovic, followed by a brutal first-round loss to Moses Itauma.
The 35-year-old southpaw returned to winning ways with back-to-back stoppage victories.
Talivaa (8-2, 4 KO) last won the IBF Oceania-Orient title, defeating Faiga Opelu by first-round stoppage.
Undercard remaining
At cruiserweight, Luke Modini (13-0, 11 KO) will likely need distance to beat Peng Qu (17-2-1, 12 KO), while Riley Candy (8-1, 5 KO) could stop Nathan Watson (11-3, 3 KO) at super middleweight.
Vegas Larfield (13-1, 9 KO) can hand Shamal Ram Anuj (11-8, 8 KO) his fourth defeat in a row in a featherweight clash.
Heavyweight Nelson Asofa-Solomon (2-0, 2 KO) can secure a third straight knockout over debutant George Burgess, and Stevan Ivic (8-0-1, 2 KO) can do the same against Caleb Tialu (3-7, 3 KO), also a heavyweight.
Prospective super welterweight fighter Jack Javed (1-0) should overtake Lance McDonald (1-5-1, 1 KO).
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