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.”