(This story first appeared on USA TODAY Sports.)
This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Ricky Hatton‘s death in September shocked the boxing community, and the coroner’s court has ruled the cause of death as suicide, according to ESPN.
Hatton, a former boxing world champion known for his aggressive fighting style and down-to-earth personality, was discovered unresponsive at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on the morning of Sept. 14. His manager, Paul Speak, found him. The senior coroner confirmed cause of death. Speak explained that he went to Hatton’s house after Hatton missed an event that morning. Hatton was 46 years old.
Thousands of supporters, including boxing legend Tyson Fury and former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, gathered at Manchester Cathedral on Oct. 10 for Hatton’s funeral. The procession included stops at some of Hatton’s favorite local spots, a poignant journey that honored his memory.
Throughout his career, Hatton was nicknamed “The Hitman” and achieved a record of 45-3 with 32 knockouts. He won his first world title in 2005 after scoring an upset victory over Kostya Tszyu by TKO.
