Ricky Hatton's tragic health battles and hopeful plans for future before sudden death

Boxing legend Ricky Hatton will be laid to rest today with thousands of heartbroken well-wishers expected to gather in and around Manchester to pay tribute.

The sportstar tragically died unexpectedly last month at the age of 46, just three months before he was due to return to the boxing ring. Police said there were no suspicious circumstanes.

Details of the procession, including the route Hatton's coffin will take before his funeral at midday, have been confirmed. The cortege will start from Gee Cross and pass through Hyde towards Manchester Cathedral, before reaching the Etihad Stadium, home of the icon's beloved Manchester City.

READ MORE: Everything the police have said about Ricky Hatton's death at 46 as he's laid to rest

READ MORE: Ricky Hatton's funeral: Route coffin will take as his family confirms plan in full

Details of the procession, including the route the British icon's coffin will take before his funeral at midday, have been confirmed. The cortege will start from Gee Cross and pass through Hyde towards Manchester Cathedral, before reaching the Etihad Stadium, home of Hatton's beloved Manchester City.

Despite his remarkable boxing career, which included a stint on ITV's Dancing on Ice last year, the boxing legend grappled with his own personal demons.

Hatton was open about his struggles with mental health, having been left feeling suicidal after losing a fight to Manny Pacquiao in 2009. He also became estranged from his parents following a bitter dispute over money in 2009, which culminated in a physical altercation with his father in a car park, and he also fell out with his trainer.

But his troubles started 16 months before, when he endured his first professional loss against Floyd Mayweather in 2007. He confessed that the defeat was "very hard for me to swallow", but matters improved when he stepped back into the ring five months later and defeated Juan Lazcano in his hometown of Manchester.

Nevertheless, Hatton fell out with his long-standing trainer and close mate, Billy Graham, before being knocked out by Pacquiao in the second round of their bout. "Shortly after that, I fell out with my mum and dad," he told Man Magazine.

"You can see how my mind was going up and down and up and down. And then I was just sat in my living room, thinking to myself, 'You've got no boxing no more, you can't share what you've done with your mum and dad, you can't share it with your trainer, you haven't got a wife anymore...' I thought, 'What do I need to be here for?'".

He continued: "I didn't want to be here, I really didn't. Back in the day, when I was in a really, really bad place, I just used to sit in the house and not leave the house. I used to just dwell on things. I think the more time you give yourself to just sit there and ponder, the worse it gets. You go under."

At the time, his spectacular career looked to be at an end - that and other factors combined to destroyed his mental health. The Manchester boxer also told the Mirrorabout this time and disclosed: "I had a knife at my wrist every night."

Hatton said that he believed there was a "stigma" which stops many from voicing their struggles, and he didn't want to "burden" his loved ones.

After welcoming his daughter, Millie, he sought help from a psychiatrist, revealing that he threw himself on his knees and said, "'You need to tell me what I'm going to do. I can't do it on my own. I need help."

Hatton's family has stressed that the boxer appeared to be "in a good place" in the weeks leading up to his death. A statement released on September 17 noted: "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 centre of."

The family explained that Hatton had enjoyed dinner with his daughters on the Friday prior and had been in regular contact with loved ones and his team.

The former world champion, known affectionately as "The Hitman," was found dead at his home in Hyde on September 14, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans, family, and fellow fighters.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have maintained a consistent position on the circumstances of his untimely death, emphasising that no suspicious elements are involved. While the exact cause remains undisclosed, authorities have ruled out foul play, allowing the focus to shift to celebrating Hatton's remarkable life and legacy.

Hatton's body was discovered early that morning by his long-time manager and friend, Paul Speak. GMP were called at 6:45am, arriving at the scene shortly after.

In their official statement, released shortly after the incident, GMP said: "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. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances."

This phrasing has been echoed across all communications from the force, with no elaboration on the cause of death or any potential contributing factors. Sources indicate the case is not being treated as criminal, in line with protocols for non-suspicious incidents, and no further police inquiries have been publicly announced.

For mental health support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.orgor visit samaritans.orgto find your nearest branch.