Ricky Hatton’s longtime manager and friend, Paul Speak, has spoken publicly about the circumstances surrounding the former world champion’s death at age 46, insisting the boxing legend “didn’t intend to do it.”
Discussing his initial discovery of Hatton’s body, Speak insists the former world champion held significant plans beyond that weekend.
Heading to Hatton’s home early on Sunday morning, September 14, Speak had to take time to process what he uncovered.
A Trusted Voice in a Time of Tragedy
“The lights weren’t on, which I thought was strange. I thought he’d overslept, but it’s not unusual. People do oversleep,” Speak told Boxing News Magazine.
“I went inside as I have a key. I was shouting, ‘Rick, Rick, wake up!’ I heard music upstairs, and then I saw him. I needed some time to process it. I immediately called the police and the ambulance.”
But Speak was adamant that the incident was not premeditated. “I firmly believe he didn’t intend to do it. It’s for the coroner to determine, but he had it all to live for,” he said. “He was in a really good place.
Plans and Family Kept Ricky Focused
“Ricky had so many plans – he’d arranged to take his daughters to see Oasis next week, he was planning a holiday after the WBC convention in Thailand, and he’d just booked a Christmas flight to Tenerife. There was so much he was looking forward to.”
He added, “His daughters had never seen him box, so he was excited for that. He’d just seen his mum last week and gave her a big hug. He was making so many plans with people he loved. There were so many things for him to live for – he was in a really good place.”
Speak also addressed the rampant speculation surrounding Hatton’s death. “I want to get the truth out; otherwise, people will just speculate. There’s been a lot of rubbish written about Ricky and his parents, but he’d seen his mum just last week; he gave her a big hug and some love. He was going to see his dad after getting back from Dubai.
Hatton, one of Britain’s most beloved boxing icons, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy in and out of the ring. Speak’s candid account offers the clearest insight yet into the final days of a fighter whose life touched millions.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.