Ricky Hattons final hours as friend says he | Boxing News

BBC boxing commentator Steve Bunce was left visibly shaken as he reacted to the tragic news of Ricky Hatton’s death on Radio 5 Live. The former world champion, aged 46, was discovered useless at his home in Hyde on Sunday morning. Greater Manchester Police have confirmed the invention of a physique and acknowledged that they don’t seem to be treating the death as suspicious.

Speaking from a resort in Northern Ireland, where he had been attending a battle between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan, Bunce shared his ideas on the devastating news. During the emotional radio dialog, presenter Steve Crossman repeatedly checked if Bunce was alright to continue, as he turned audibly upset while paying tribute. “It’s an unbelievably shocking piece of news because he was in a really good place,” Bunce said.

“He’s had some troubles, Rick. I mean, he’s talked about his mental health problems, he’s talked about his addictions; he’s addressed them, faced them and attacked them and solved them.

“He was making ready for an exhibition battle; like it’s for so many fighters, the fitness center’s been his salvation. He was getting his physique and his head in a better place.

“Apparently, talking to people, he didn’t show up on Friday at the gym, and he was meant to be at a fight last night, and he didn’t show up, and someone went to his house this morning… It is shocking news.”

Hatton, who would have marked his forty seventh birthday in October, had been open about his struggles with mental health issues and substance abuse. The boxer had survived suicide makes an attempt and mended relationships with his household after confronting his own psychological wellbeing.

Bunce continued: “Had it been 10 years ago, when he talked openly about considering ending his life, had it been 10 years ago when he was in one of the darkest places any man can be, it would have been, I guess, understandable, but at the moment, I’m genuinely shocked by it. I mean, genuinely, I’m amazed by it.”

Fellow figures from the boxing world have also supplied their condolences to Hatton. Britain’s former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury paid his respects.

Posting two pictures of himself with Hatton, Fury wrote on Instagram: “Rip to the legend @rickyhatton may he rip. There will only ever be 1 Ricky hatton. can’t believe this so young.”

British Olympic gold medallist Luke Campbell described Hatton as an “inspiration to him” and a “legend in the world of boxing”.

Hatton, who has handed away at the age of 46, leaves behind his youngsters Millie, Fearne and Campbell and granddaughter Lyla.