Former boxing icon Ricky Hatton is set to be laid to rest following his untimely death at the age of 46, with the cause of his passing remaining unknown as authorities rule out foul play
British boxing legend Ricky Hatton is being laid to rest today. The former world champion, affectionately known as “The Hitman,” was found dead at his Hyde home on 14 September, sparking a wave of sorrow from fans, family, and fellow boxers.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have consistently stated that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his untimely death. While the exact cause remains undisclosed, authorities have ruled out foul play, allowing attention to turn towards celebrating Hatton’s extraordinary life and legacy, reports the Mirror.
Hatton’s body was found early that morning by his long-time manager and friend, Paul Speak. GMP were alerted at 6:45am, arriving at the scene shortly thereafter.
In their official statement, released shortly after the incident, GMP said: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”,
This wording has been reiterated in all communications from the force, with no further details on the cause of death or any potential contributing factors. Sources suggest the case is not being treated as criminal, in line with protocols for non-suspicious incidents, and no additional police inquiries have been publicly announced.
Hatton’s family has emphasised that the boxer appeared to be “in a good place” in the weeks leading up to his death. A statement released on September 17 noted: “To all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place.
“He was excited for the future; his bag was packed ready to go to Dubai to promote a comeback fight and he was planning a celebration in Dubai of which his beloved girls Millie and Fearne were to be the centre of.”
The family revealed that Hatton had shared dinner with his daughters on the Friday before and had maintained regular contact with loved ones and his team. He was due to attend the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium that Sunday, where a minute’s applause, black armbands, and a tribute image honoured him in his absence.
His scheduled exhibition match in December against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai demonstrated his continued love for boxing, with family members emphasising his dedication as a father to Campbell, Millie, and Fearne, and grandfather to Lyla as additional proof of his positive state of mind.
An initial family tribute, shared via GMP, expressed the enormity of their loss: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard… Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many.
“He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him… As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.”
Personal messages from relatives further demonstrated the devastating impact.
Hatton’s son, Campbell, also a boxer, expressed: “Heartbroken isn’t the word… Everybody has always said I was your double – never a truer word said. Looked up to you in every aspect of life… Can’t explain how much I’m going to miss the laughs we had and all the good times, which I will remember forever. Just can’t believe we won’t have any more. Love you, Dad.”
On October 6, what would have been Hatton’s 47th birthday, Campbell shared another poignant message, marking the first such milestone without his father present.
“Happy birthday. I wish we were spending it together,” the 24 year old penned.
Hatton’s brother, Matthew, expressed: “I love you, Richard. See you on the other side.”
Hatton’s funeral service will be held on Friday, October 10, at 12pm in Manchester Cathedral, an appropriate location for the devoted Mancunian and Manchester City fan.
The ceremony will feature a public procession route enabling supporters to show their respects throughout the streets. There will be stops at Harehill Tavern, The New Inn, where doves will be released, and Hatton’s gym.
The procession will then pass Hyde Town Hall, Betta Bodies Gym and the AO Arena before reaching the cathedral.
Whilst asking for privacy, the family has welcomed the public to pay their respects to his memory, reflecting Hatton’s profound bond with his supporters who once packed arenas for his bouts. In the run-up, tributes have gathered outside his home, including floral tributes, boxing gloves, and Manchester City shirts.
Tameside Council have also opened a book of condolence at Hyde Town Hall, and a petition for a statue in his honour has attracted considerable backing. Furthermore, a new charity focused on tackling mental health issues is being set up in his name, drawing from his campaigning work.
Campbell Hatton said he’s hoping to see a massive turnout for the funeral procession, suggesting his father would want it to be a “celebration of his life” rather than a sombre affair. “That [a big turnout] is exactly what he would have wanted,” he said.
“He saw his biggest achievement in boxing as his fanbase; that’s what he was most proud of. He would want the street to be filled with people, there celebrating his life. Everything he did, he did for his fans.”
From his stunning 2005 victory over Kostya Tszyu, which saw him claim the IBF light-welterweight title, to his high-profile fights against boxing legends Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton’s career has firmly established him as one of Britain’s finest boxers. His relentless fighting style and relatable charm attracted huge audiences, inspiring future generations of pugilists.
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