The former World Boxing Champion died just weeks after announcing a dramatic return to the ring. It is pertinent to note that Ricky Hatton has been very open in retirement about battles with depression, mental-health issues, alcohol and drugs.
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Ricky Hatton’s final video hours before death
Just two days ago he posted a video of himself on Instagram looking healthy and in good spirits as he worked up a sweat on a treadmill during an evening training session.
Ricky Hatton’s last post on social media before his tragic death saw him gearing up for his massive comeback fight. Hatton reportedly appeared fit and sharp as he sweated through a workout in a video he posted just days before his death, according to reports.
The boxer had shared a video of himself training with punchbags, while on Friday he shared a video on his treadmill, telling his fans: “Another 5k, a good sweat on”. He captioned the video: “Evening run in the bag. Don’t you worry about that our kid” #getupthereboy #hitman #bluemoon as Ed Sheeran’s Sapphire played in the background.ALSO READ: After Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting, spotlight falls on Nick Fuentes and the ‘Groyper’ movement. All you need to know
Initially, his friends expressed concerns when Ricky Hatton failed to appear at an event featuring one of his boxers. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told The Daily Mail: ‘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.’
BBC boxing pundit Steve Bunce described Hatton’s death as “unbelievably shocking” and said the boxing icon “was in a really good place”.
“He’s had some troubles, Rick. I mean, he’s talked about his mental health problems, he’s talked about his addictions; he’s addressed them, faced them and attacked them and solved them,’ Bunce said.
“He was preparing for an exhibition fight; like it is for so many fighters, the gym’s been his salvation. He was getting his body and his head in a better place. “Apparently, talking to people, he didn’t show up on Friday at the gym, and he was meant to be at a fight last night, and he didn’t show up, and someone went to his house this morning… It is shocking news.”
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After retiring from the ring, Hatton transitioned into coaching but was preparing for a comeback, with a fight scheduled for December. Awarded an MBE in 2007 for his contributions to sport, Hatton had been open about his battles with mental health and drug addiction.
Hatton famously was a massive supporter of Manchester City FC and was close friends with Noel and Liam Gallagher of the band Oasis. Hatton, an aggressive and brave fighter, held multiple world and UK titles during his career between 1997 and 2012. He had one son, Campbell, who retired from boxing at 24 to become a solar panel installer this July, and two daughters, Millie and Fearne.