Ricky Hatton inquest begins today after calls for 'the truth' to be revealed

The cause of Ricky Hatton's death was provisionally confirmed as hanging on Thursday during a public inquest into the tragic passing of the boxing legend. The former world champion was discovered at his residence in Hyde, Greater Manchester on September 14, just shy of his 47th birthday.

Hatton's death wasn't deemed suspicious by authorities but more details have been made available today. Senior coroner Alison Mutch chaired the inquest at South Manchester Coroners' Court in Stockport, which got underway at 9am. The court was told how he was found "unresponsive" at his home. Ms Mutch said it was "clear" that the law required her to order that a full inquest into his death should be held. A full inquest will therefore be held on March 20 next year. Hatton was found dead at his Manchester home by his manager and long-time friend Paul Speak last month.

Mr Speak was due to accompany the fighter to Dubai the same day for a press conference to officially announce his comeback fight. Hatton had been last seen by his family on September 12. Following Hatton's death, GMP confirmed in a statement: "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."

Speak, the ex-boxer's manager and close friend, recalled the moment he discovered Hatton at home after arriving to wake the star for a flight to Dubai. Speak is adamant that "the truth" about Hatton's death will emerge, as he firmly believes the star "didn't intend" to die.

In an interview with Boxing News, Hatton's ex-manager said: "The lights weren't on, which I thought was strange. I thought he'd overslept, but it's not unusual. People do oversleep. So, I went inside - I have a key - shouting, 'Rick, Rick, wake up!

"I heard music coming from upstairs, so I went upstairs... I took a look at him... I had to take some time to process it.

"I was in a state of shock and confusion and loss and many more emotions. Then I called the police and the ambulance. But 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."

Speak added: "He'd arranged to take his daughters to see Oasis next week. He was planning to go to Thailand for the WBC convention and a holiday after his fight.

"He'd just booked a flight to Tenerife for Christmas. I want to get the truth out, otherwise people will just speculate."

An inquest is scheduled to begin at South Manchester Coroners' Court in Stockport at 9am on Thursday, October 16. The brief hearing will be conducted before the area's senior coroner, Alison Mutch.

An initial inquest typically involves evidence being presented regarding the deceased and the circumstances surrounding their death. The coroner will then determine if a full hearing is necessary.

Hatton's funeral took place last Friday after news of his death shocked the sporting world. Several celebrities and close friends of the boxer attended the service, including Tyson Fury, Liam Gallagher, the Rooney family and Hatton's former girlfriend Claire Sweeney.