The provisional cause of death for former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton was confirmed this week at the opening of his inquest. The 46-year-old, known as “The Hitman,” died in September 2025 at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester. The court heard that the Ricky Hatton cause of death confirmed was suicide by hanging, according to the provisional finding presented by Senior Coroner Alison Mutch.
Hatton was found unresponsive on the morning of September 14 by his manager and long-time friend, Paul Speak, who was due to take the boxer to Manchester Airport for a scheduled comeback fight in Dubai. News of the beloved champion’s passing had already prompted a massive outpouring of grief, with thousands of fans lining the streets of Manchester for his funeral procession last week.
The details given to the court also noted that Hatton was last seen by family members two days earlier, and he appeared well with no cause for concern. Hatton had previously been open and honest about his long-standing battles with clinical depression and suicidal thoughts following his initial retirement, raising public awareness of mental health struggles in professional sports.
While the full inquest is adjourned until March 20, 2026, the provisional finding has clarified the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The boxing world continues to mourn the loss of one of its most popular figures after the Ricky Hatton cause of death confirmed the heartbreaking end to his life.
