World champion boxing legend Ricky Hatton’s cause of death has not been released, save for a single clue given by Greater Manchester police.

The police don’t believe there are any “suspicious circumstances.” Fans are understandably wondering how Hatton died, since he was only 46 when he was found dead in his English home on September 14, 2025.

His past health problems – from drug addiction to suicide attempts – were well-documented. He leaves behind three children, but no current girlfriend or wife. Still, he appeared in great spirits recently, was planning a comeback fight, and posted a video showing him training only three days before he died.

“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,” his friend Bunce told BBC Radio 5 Live, according to The Independent.

Ricky Hatton Was Open About His Mental Health Struggles & Addictions

According to the Manchester Evening News, Hatton openly discussed his mental health struggles, including dealing with “drug addiction.”

He “survived suicide attempts and overcame a fall out with his family who he made up with after addressing his own mental health,” the newspaper reported.

(If you need help, it’s available through the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988).

Greater Manchester Mental Health offered a tribute to Hatton on X, writing, “We are shocked and saddened at the death of Ricky Hatton. It was an honour to have him open our Manchester inpatient unit, North View, and we will never forget his kind words and support for those with mental health struggles. Our thoughts go out to his loved ones and fans.”

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His career was challenged by his “trouble with drink and drugs,” according to BBC, which added that, at the time of his death, Hatton was planning a “comeback” fight in Dubai in December. He posted videos on Instagram showing him boxing and working out just three days before his death.

He told BBC in 2022, according to Daily Mail: “I just went on the war path. I was suicidal. I tried killing myself several times, couldn’t do it. So then I thought to myself I will drink and drug myself to death.”

Indeed, he was speaking positively about his health in the lead-up to that fight, telling The Sun, “I’m in such a good place mentally, from where I was a few years back, and physically.”

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“Suicidal thoughts and addiction were hard to deal with,” the boxer acknowledged in the past, according to BBC.

Ricky Hatton Revealed He Drank 25 Pints of Beer in a Single Day

Former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton with his son Campbell Hatton, also a boxer, before the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Manchester City and AC Sparta Praha at City of Manchester Stadium on October 23, 2024 in Manchester, England.(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Hatton detailed his addiction in an interview with the Daily Star. He explained “how he sunk 25 pints of Guinness a day plus spirits in the depths of his cocaine-fueled binges,” the site reported in 2023. Alcohol and drugs helped him deal with retirement from boxing, according to the Daily Star, which noted that he dealt with weight issues due to his drinking.

“I took cocaine – I never took heroin. It was in many ways it was tough times. I was taking drugs, but I think the drinking was more of a problem, and I think I was taking a line to keep me drinking,” he revealed to Daily Star.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard.

“Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many,” his family said in a statement, per Manchester Evening News.

“He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.” The statement did not reveal his cause of death.

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“A normal person – you’d be finished by 1 or 2 in the morning or something like that, and you’d have a decent drink. But a few times I was going for a day-and-a-half.”

He concluded, “You’re talking about 30 drinks aren’t you? That’s horrific. And you’re having the drugs so you can drink more.”

Police Say They Found Ricky Hatton’s Body After Being Called by a Member of the Public

The police statement was brief.

“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,” it reads.

“There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances and has been referred to the coroner.”