An inquest into the sudden and tragic death of British boxing icon Ricky Hatton is set to commence on Thursday morning, just over a month after his unexpected demise at 46 years old. The former world champion was discovered dead at his residence in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14, sending shockwaves throughout the sporting community and leaving fans and loved ones in profound grief.

Following his passing, a funeral service was held, drawing thousands of mourners who lined the streets of Manchester. Numerous celebrities also attended the emotional service at the city's cathedral, paying their respects to the beloved boxer. Despite the widespread sorrow, little information has been publicly released regarding the specific cause of Hatton's death, though further details are anticipated to be unveiled during Thursday's proceedings.

The police, who have explicitly stated they do not suspect any foul play in Hatton's death, referred the case to the coroner. The inquest opening is officially slated to occur at South Manchester Coroners' Court in Stockport at 9 am on Thursday, presided over by the area's senior coroner, Alison Mutch. Inquests are initiated by coroners when there is reasonable cause to suspect that a death has occurred due to anything other than natural causes. While there is no precise legal definition of a 'natural' cause of death, it is generally described as "death due to a disease running its full course with no other intervening factors."

An inquest opening is primarily a brief administrative hearing designed to officially commence the investigation into a death. During this hearing, the coroner confirms the identity of the deceased, and if known, the medical cause of death. The brief circumstances surrounding the death may also be discussed. Subsequently, the coroner decides whether a full inquest is necessary and postpones the hearing to a future date for a review or a final hearing. A timetable is then established for the next stages of the investigation, which typically include gathering witness statements, reports, and scheduling any required future hearings.

Ricky Hatton had been candid about his struggles with mental health throughout his life, a poignant detail highlighted during his funeral. His 13-year-old daughter, Millie, delivered a heart-wrenching eulogy, directly addressing her father with the question: "Why didn't you reach out?" Speaking to the congregation inside Manchester Cathedral, she expressed profound sorrow and the realization of missed future moments, stating, "I can't help but think about how you will never walk me down the aisle, how you will never meet my children and your grandchildren, how you won't be here to see me leave school or even see me grow into an adult." She further conveyed her unconditional love and urged her father not to think he had ever let her down.

The devastating discovery of Hatton's body at his Manchester home was made by his close friend and long-time manager, Paul Speak. Speak had arrived to take Hatton to the airport, and initially assumed the former boxer had merely overslept. It wasn't until he ventured upstairs that he encountered the tragic truth. Speaking to Boxing News, Speak recounted his arrival, the strange quietness of the house, and the moment he found his friend. He emphasized his desire to "get the truth out" to prevent public speculation surrounding the circumstances of Hatton's death.

The suddenness of his passing was particularly shocking given Hatton's active plans for the future. He had arranged to take his daughters to see Oasis, was planning a trip to Thailand for the WBC convention and a holiday after his fight, and had just booked a flight to Tenerife for Christmas. These forward-looking plans underscore the unexpected nature of his demise and add to the mystery that the upcoming inquest aims to clarify.