Matthew Hatton, the younger brother of legendary boxer Ricky Hatton, has opened up about the heartbreaking weeks following Ricky’s tragic death. The beloved fighter, who was known and adored far beyond the boxing ring, was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester on 14th September. Matthew sat down for an interview with ITV, sharing his ongoing concern for Ricky due to his well-documented mental health struggles. Despite his worries, Matthew never believed Ricky would take his own life.
Matthew recalled speaking to his partner often about his concerns, noting that while Ricky appeared to be in a better place this year, his struggles in the past had always been a source of anxiety. “This year is undoubtedly the best he’s ever been by a long, long way,” Matthew reflected, expressing his shock at the sudden loss.
Ricky, who had been planning his comeback to the ring with a fight in Dubai, was a trailblazer in openly discussing mental health issues, helping to break the stigma and encouraging others to seek help. Those close to him believed he was doing well in the weeks leading up to his passing. Matthew admitted that the reality of the situation still feels like a “bad dream,” and he has yet to fully process the loss of his brother.
In a touching testament to Ricky’s influence, his planned fight will now be taken up by Kell Brook, showing the respect and admiration the boxing community has for him. Ricky’s legacy continues to inspire, not just through his achievements in the ring, but also in his courage to address mental health openly. His passing is a stark reminder of the importance of mental health support for everyone, regardless of their public persona or career success.