Ricky Hatton’s tragic final few days saw star attend funeral of pal who took his life before posting touching tribute

RICKY HATTON’S tragic final few days reportedly saw him attend the funeral of a pal who took his own life.

The 46-year-old was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Instagram @rickyhitmanhatton

PA

PA

Cops said they were called by a member of the public to attend the scene at 6.45am, where they “found the body of a 46-year-old man”.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it did not believe there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding Ricky’s death.

And it was later revealed that Ricky was discovered by his long-term manager and close pal Paul Speak.

Now, the Mail claims Hatton was “battling injury and grief” after a close friend killed himself in August.

It’s claimed pal David Leigh took his own life without warning.

The Mail says Hatton attended Leigh’s funeral just days before his own tragic death.

And the boxing legend paid an emotional tribute on social media at the time.

Hatton said: “I wish you could have reached out to us mate. See you shortly.”

The Mail also notes that Hatton had “seemed himself” around another boxer at his gym last Thursday, claiming he had a “problem with his elbow” before “joking about his age.”

Hatton’s death came months after he announced his return to boxing with a fight against Eisa Al Dah planned in Dubai in December.

He won world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweight and traded blows with some of history’s greatest fighters.

During a glittering 15-year career, he beat ring greats such as Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo.

He went on to suffer knockout losses to superstars Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009.

Tributes flooded in from all over the world for fan favourite and working class hero Hatton — one of the biggest personalities in boxing.

Former champ Amir Khan, who is from nearby Bolton, credited pal Hatton as being a major inspiration

He said: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.”

The tragedy came just days after Hatton sent a heartfelt message to a bullying victim — urging the boy to “keep your chin up”.

He told the youngster, called Louie, to keep going to boxing training to gain confidence.

Ricky told him: “I believe you’ve been having a tough time at school by a couple of bullies. Even I had a bully when I was at school.

“You’ve done the right thing taking up boxing, not to get your own back and beat him up, but boxing gives you confidence, doesn’t it?

“And the minute these bullies see you’ve got a little bit of confidence, they’ll leave you alone.”

Ricky Hatton's biggest boxing wins

By Jack Figg

Paulie Malignaggi, November 2008

In his first fight since splitting with long-time trainer Billy Graham, Hatton dominated Malignaggi in one of his best displays of boxing.

Coached by Floyd Mayweather Sr, Hatton would earn a 2009 fight with Manny Pacquiao, which ended in a horrifying KO loss.

Luis Collazo, June 2007

Hatton dropped the veteran American in the opening seconds of round one and looked on course for a demolition job.

But he was taken to the brink over 12 rounds but held on to victory – earning him a super-fight with Floyd Mayweather six months later.

Kostya Tszyu, June 2005

Russian-born Aussie Tszyu was behind only Floyd Mayweather in the pound-for-pound rankings when he travelled to Manchester.

And Hatton pulled off a career-best win to stop Tszyu in the 11th round of what was a brutal war. He became light-welterweight world champ.

Eamonn Magee, June 2002

Hatton was dropped by the Irishman and looked to be on the brink of defeat.

But he got to his feet and rallied back to win over 12 rounds – showcasing his trademark grit and determination.

Jon Thaxton, October 2000

Hatton had to overcome a nasty cut – not for the first time in his career – to edge out a points win.

It won him the British light-welterweight title.