It still doesn’t feel real writing these words: Ricky Hatton is gone. The news broke last week and like thousands of others I was utterly distraught. For many of us, Hatton wasn’t just a world champion — he was the people’s champion. I shared my first tribute here: Ricky Hatton – The People’s Champion, but after a week of non-stop rumours and fake headlines, I feel like we need to stop and put the record straight.
Because here’s the thing — I’m not the only source, and I’m not pretending to be. Everything you’ll read below is based only on what’s been confirmed by reputable outlets like Reuters, AP, BBC, ESPN and official police and family statements. At the time of writing this (Monday), the situation is still developing. Some details may change by the time this goes live on Sunday. But I’m tired of seeing speculation treated as fact. So here’s where things really stand.
What We Know So Far
- Ricky Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester on Sunday 14 September. He was 46 years old. Reuters confirmed this.
- Greater Manchester Police have said clearly that his death is not being treated as suspicious. No foul play is suspected.
- His long-time manager, Paul Speak, was the one who found him.
- On the Friday before, Ricky had dinner with his daughters Millie and Fearne. His family say he seemed “in a good place” and was “excited for the future.” Plans for a comeback fight in Dubai were still on his mind. ESPN carried this directly from the family’s statement.
- His son Campbell posted an emotional message on Instagram, admitting “heartbroken isn’t the word.”
- Tributes have poured in from every corner of boxing and sport — fighters, promoters, commentators, even football clubs. Everyone has said the same: Ricky was genuine, warm, and loved by fans like no other.
What We Don’t Know
And now to the uncomfortable part: the questions we don’t yet have answers to.
- The official cause of death has not been released. At the time of writing, there’s no coroner’s report in the public domain.
- We don’t know whether it was medical, accidental, or something else. Until the coroner confirms it, any claims you see online are guesswork.
- We don’t know if his past struggles with depression or substance abuse had anything to do with it. His family have actually stressed that he was in good spirits and looking ahead.
In short — if you’ve seen headlines claiming otherwise, they’re not based on confirmed fact.
Why The Unanswered Questions Matter
Some people shrug and say: “What’s the difference? He’s gone.” But it does matter.
- For his family: They shouldn’t be dealing with baseless theories while they grieve.
- For his legacy: Ricky Hatton deserves to be remembered for those electric ring walks, the nights in Manchester and Vegas, the body shots, the humour — not turned into the centre of gossip.
- For boxing’s wider conversation: Hatton was open about his battles with mental health and addiction. If the official cause touches on those struggles, it could help others. But until then, guessing helps no one.
Hatton’s Final Days
What makes this harder is how ordinary and happy his final days sound. Dinner with his daughters. Chatting about future plans. Smiling, laughing, surrounded by family. Not the picture painted by rumour-mongers online.
And maybe that’s the real story here: Ricky Hatton, right up until the end, was still the same man who lived life loudly, loved openly, and gave his fans everything.
A Quick Disclaimer
Just so it’s crystal clear: this post reflects what we know at the time of writing (Monday, 22 September 2025). By the time this goes live on Sunday, there may be more updates from the coroner, the police, or his family. If there are, I’ll follow up with a new piece. But for now, this is the truth as best we can confirm it.
Protect the Legacy, Share the Truth
If you’ve come across fake “cause of death” stories, please don’t share them. If you want to honour Ricky Hatton, share his greatest nights in the ring — Castillo, Tszyu, the atmosphere in Vegas. Share the laughs, the interviews, the moments that made him our champion.
And if this post has helped clear some of the noise, share it with fellow boxing fans. And of course, keep coming back to CMBoxing for tributes, honest commentary, and coverage of the sport we love.
Ricky Hatton’s final days may still carry unanswered questions — but what’s undeniable is the legacy he leaves behind.