Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton, aged 46, tragically passed away in September of last year, leading to an inquest that sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding his death. Despite his past struggles with alcohol and drugs, Hatton was described by his family as being in good spirits and doing the best he had in years, portraying him as a doting father with a promising future ahead.

On the evening of Friday, September 12, Hatton had enjoyed a meal out with his daughters and granddaughter, appearing to be in normal spirits. After dropping them off, he informed them of his impending trip to Dubai for an exhibition boxing match, promising to see them in a couple of days. However, he failed to attend a scheduled engagement the following Saturday. The next morning, at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, his manager, Paul Speak, arrived at Hatton's home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, to accompany him to the airport for the flight to Dubai. It was then that Hatton was discovered unresponsive in the upstairs games room of his house.

The inquest at Stockport Coroner's Court confirmed the official cause of death as hanging. Toxicology reports indicated that the boxing great was significantly over the drink-drive limit at the time of his death, and traces of previous cocaine and cannabis use were also detected. Furthermore, postmortem evidence revealed damage to his brain, identified as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition often associated with boxing.

Alison Mutch, senior coroner for South Manchester, presided over the inquest, which was attended by Hatton's father, son, and ex-partner. She noted that no suicide notes were found, and police investigations yielded no information to suggest Hatton had been planning to take his own life. Concluding the inquest with a narrative verdict, Ms. Mutch stated, "He had made significant future plans and no notes were found indicating he intended to take his own life. I have listened very carefully to all the evidence. When I add everything together, I cannot be satisfied he intended to take his own life. Therefore, it is not possible in law for me to conclude suicide." She further elaborated that his intention remained unclear due to the influence of alcohol and the evidence of CTE found in the neuropathological postmortem.

At the conclusion of the inquest, Hatton's son, Campbell, was visibly emotional, breaking down in tears before being comforted by his grandfather, Ray Hatton.