Ricky Hatton’s family ‘shocked’ at boxer’s sudden passing: ‘He was in a good place’

The world of combat sports remains in shock at the news that U.K. boxing legend Ricky Hatton was found dead in his home on Sunday morning (Sept. 14, 2025) at just 46 years of age.

No official cause of death has been attributed to his passing, but several insiders and close friends have heavily suggested his passing was due to suicide. Hatton had openly struggled with his mental health following his retirement from the sport in 2012 and spoke of dark years with multiple suicide attempts and a resignation to drinking himself to death.

But Hatton had been doing much better in recent years, looking healthier and being active in the boxing world by promoting events and coaching fighters. He had an exhibition match scheduled for December in Dubai and had big plans for his future, which made his sudden passing all the more shocking to his family.

“I take comfort & hope he’s found the peace that eluded him in life,” his brother Matthew wrote in a eulogy on X (formerly Twitter).

Now his family has released another statement discussing Hatton’s mindset (at least on the outside) leading up to this tragedy.

“We are all distraught at the events of recent days,” the statement read. “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 center of.”

“He was excited that they would see him fight for the first time in person. He was a doting grandfather and loved spending time with Campbell and Lyla.”

“Richard planned to spend more time in Tenerife,” the statement continued. “Richard had spoken to his family and his team in the days and weeks before the weekend. He had dinner with his girls on Friday night, and Richard was not alone in life or in the days before the weekend.”

“We are all in shock at the events that unfolded over the weekend. Richard was found by his friend and long-time manager Paul Speak, who we are supporting at this time along with Richard’s parents, Ray and Carol, his children and the wider family.”

“The outpouring of grief and love from the nation and worldwide shows how much Richard was loved,” they wrote. “It will, in time, be something that gives us all some comfort and pride. For now, however, we would like to have a period of private and personal mourning. The priority for us all is to ensure the wellbeing and support of Richard’s children and granddaughter.”

“Details of a memorial service will likely follow, but in the meantime we would all be grateful if the privacy of the family and Richard’s memory be respected. It is not our intention to make any further public statements currently.”

Hatton ended his career with a 45-3 record and was best known for two massive fights against generational greats Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. His fight against Mayweather was the pinnacle of his career as tens of thousands of U.K. fans traveled to Las Vegas to see him box “Money.” His corner would throw the towel in during the 10th round after mounting punishment led to a bad knockdown.

Hatton’s fighting style and grit in the face of adversity made him a fan favorite during his time and beyond. He will be missed, and his death is a stark reminder of the importance of mental health in today’s world, and keeping communication open and honest with those you love.