Ricky Hatton’s final hours shared by friend as new inquest gets underway

A new inquest into Ricky Hatton’s death begins on Friday, six months after the boxing legend was found dead at his home

Ricky Hatton was reportedly “well” according to family and friends just days before his death. A fresh inquest is due to begin on Friday morning, six months after the former boxing champion’s body was discovered.

An initial probe into Hatton’s death in October 2025 cited a preliminary cause of death as ‘hanging.’ The full inquest will take place on March 20, 2026.

Longtime friend and manager Paul Speak found Hatton ‘unresponsive’ at his residence in Gee Cross, Hyde. Speak was scheduled to accompany the ex-boxer on a trip to Dubai and reported his death to the Greater Manchester Police.

The authorities confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances at the time and referred Hatton’s death to the coroner. The hearing heard that the 46-year-old was last seen by family members two days before he was found and “appeared well.”

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He was then thought to have “returned home” but failed to show up at a planned event the following day. Speak told Boxing News Magazine about the moment he discovered Hatton, describing it as a blend of intense emotions.

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He said: “The lights weren’t on, which I thought was strange. I thought he’d overslept, but it’s not unusual. People do oversleep. So, I went inside – I have a key – shouting, ‘Rick, Rick, wake up!’

“I heard music coming from upstairs, so I went upstairs…I took a look at him…I had to take some time to process it. I was in a state of shock and confusion and loss and many more emotions.

“Then I called the police and the ambulance. But I firmly believe he didn’t intend to do it. It’s for the coroner to determine, but he had it all to live for.”

The initial inquest occurred on October 16 with senior coroner Alison Mutch confirming they are awaiting the final cause of death. None of Hatton’s family were present and it remains unclear whether any will attend the full inquest on March 20.

The legendary boxer’s funeral was held on October 19 at Manchester Cathedral with thousands of mourners filling the streets to honour Hatton. Several of his close friends were in attendance, including Liam Gallagher, Tyson Fury, Tony Bellew and Wayne Rooney.

Sky Sports boxing commentator Adam Smith delivered a eulogy at the service, describing Hatton as “both a boxing sporting icon and a working-class hero.”

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