An inquest has been opened into the tragic death of boxing icon Richard John Hatton, known to the world as Ricky Hatton, who was found dead at his home in Gee Cross, Hyde, Tameside, Greater Manchester, on Sunday, September 14. The 46-year-old’s inquest was formally opened on October 16 at South Manchester Coroner's Court in Stockport by senior coroner Alison Mutch. During the brief five-to-ten-minute hearing, a provisional cause of death was given as 'hanging', although full post-mortem results are yet to be confirmed. Greater Manchester Police have stated there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Mr. Hatton, a boxing trainer and company director, who was single and lived alone, was discovered unresponsive by his long-term manager and friend, Paul Speak. Mr. Speak had arrived at Hatton's home on the morning of September 14 as previously arranged, to accompany him to Manchester Airport for a flight to Dubai. The court heard that Mr. Hatton had last been seen by family members on Friday, September 12, when he appeared well. However, concerns arose when he failed to attend an event he was expected at on Saturday, September 13, leading to Mr. Speak's visit the following morning. His identity was confirmed to a GMP officer, with no concerns about the identification process.

Senior Coroner Alison Mutch offered her condolences to Mr. Hatton's loved ones through Mr. Speak, who was present in court on behalf of the family. She confirmed that a post-mortem had been carried out and subsequently adjourned the inquest. The full hearing is set to take place on March 20 next year, with reports indicating March 20, 2025, as the scheduled date. This formal legal step is required to proceed with the full inquest.

Throughout his remarkable career, Ricky Hatton achieved significant boxing milestones, unifying the light-welterweight division and securing a world welterweight title. He famously faced two of his era's greatest pound-for-pound fighters, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, in Las Vegas. His first professional defeat came against Mayweather in 2007. After a comeback fight in 2012 against Vyacheslav Senchenko, he retired. In July, he had announced plans to return to the ring for a professional bout in Dubai in December, having participated in a no-scoring exhibition in 2022. Family members reported that he was 'in a good place' and 'excited for the future', with his bags packed for the upcoming fight.

Despite his professional successes and recent positive outlook, Mr. Hatton was also a tireless ambassador for mental health charities and had been candid about his personal struggles. He openly discussed battling clinical depression and substance abuse, recounting past suicide attempts after his second retirement from boxing. His death prompted an outpouring of grief globally, with thousands lining the streets of Tameside and Manchester to pay tribute during his funeral procession. A memorial service at Manchester Cathedral on October 10 saw attendance from numerous celebrities, including Liam Gallagher, Wayne Rooney, and boxers Tyson and Tommy Fury.

In response to his death, the Manchester Evening News and Daily Star collaborated to launch a campaign supporting Andy's Man Club and the Campaign Against Living Miserably. This tragic event underscores the critical need for mental health awareness and support. A comprehensive list of support services is available for those struggling or bereaved:

Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected], write to Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS (no more information needed) and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch. For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk

CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They're open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.

Greater Manchester Bereavement Service www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief.

Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.

PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.

Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/

Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org

For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/