Hatton spoke openly about his mental health challenges two years prior to his passing. Below is what is known regarding his last years.
Only two months prior to his planned return to boxing,Ricky HattonPassed away at the age of 46. Naturally, fans and colleagues in the sports community were devastated and sought clarification about the reason for his death, which remains unconfirmed. Nevertheless, some might remember that Hatton spoke openly about health challenges in his later years — particularly concerning mental health and substance use.
Below, Hollywood Lifeis examining the information we have regarding Hatton's life prior to his death.
Ricky Hatton's Challenges with Mental Well-being
In August 2023, Hatton had a conversation withDaily Mailto talk about the consequences of his battles against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, both of which he has lost.
After the Mayweather match, I began drinking much more heavily, and eventually, I had a falling out with my parents, which was really tough for me, and I didn't care if I was alive or not," Hatton stated, then confessing, "I thought about suicide many times. I started considering different ways to cope, and I thought I could drink myself to death.
Hatton explained by admitting he "couldn't walk down the street" following his losses because he was "so embarrassed," he continued, "I didn't want to show my face. I know that sounds a little extreme, but that's what was going through my mind."
"I believed everyone was staring at me, thinking, 'He claimed he would defeat Mayweather and he didn't,'” the late world champion said. “It's truly unfortunate, but that marked the beginning of my mental health challenges.”
Hatton was also worried about his son,Campbell Hatton, might inherit his late father's challenges.
There's a chance Campbell might face similar mental health issues as I did," Hatton stated. "I've told Campbell, 'If there's anything on your mind, come to me.' I almost wasn't here to enjoy the things I'm currently cherishing. Spending time with my grandfather and watching Campbell become a professional. Witnessing my daughters grow into the young women they are today. I almost wasn't here to experience all of that because I was suicidal. So, I'll keep pressing him every day to check if he's okay.
Ricky Hatton's Substance Abuse Prior to Passing
In the same interview withDaily Mail, Hatton mentioned his history of drug use along with alcohol consumption. “As a result, I became more depressed, and I ended up using drugs to help me drink more, and it was a harmful cycle,” he stated.
In the middle of 2018, a video showing Hatton using cocaine was released, leading him to seek treatment, as reported by several sources.
How Did Ricky Hatton Pass Away? The Reason for His Death
In September 2025, officials responded to the residence of Hatton’s Hyde in Greater Manchester, England, where he was discovered deceased. Greater Manchester Police stated in a public announcement that his death was not viewed as "suspicious."
A month later, a coroner's court concluded that Hatton died by hanging: a suicide.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or thinking about suicide, call theNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).