Ricky Hatton's manager wants 'truth out' about cause of death after finding his body

Ricky Hatton was given a heartfelt farewell today, nearly a month after his tragic death. His manager, Paul Speak, discovered him dead at his home in Greater Manchester, leading to an outpouring of grief from thousands who lined the streets to pay their respects.

Among the mourners at Manchester Cathedral were some high-profile celebrities, such as Wayne Rooney, Liam Gallagher and Tyson Fury. The world of sport was left reeling when news of Hatton's death broke on September 14.

The boxer was a national treasure, adored by fans across the country. An inquest into his death has yet to be held, but Speak, who found Hatton, has said: "I want to get the truth out, otherwise people will just speculate."

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He insists that Hatton 'did not intend to do it'. Speak had gone to Hatton's house to take him to the airport for a flight to Dubai.

Speaking to Boxing News magazine, as quoted by WalesOnline, he 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 insisted that Hatton was 'in a really good place' before his death at the age of 46, and had been making numerous plans. This sentiment is echoed by other family members and friends, despite his previous battles with mental health.

He 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.

"There's been a lot of rubbish written about Ricky and his parents, but he'd seen his mum just last week; gave her a big hug and some love.

"He was going to see his dad after getting back from Dubai. His daughters had never seen him box, so he was excited for that. So many things for him to live for – he was in a really good place."

Hatton had previously spoken openly about his struggles with mental health. Speak admitted his friend's death wouldn't have come as 'such a shock' had it happened a decade earlier.

He added: "If this was 10 years ago, it wouldn't have been as big a shock as it was. I've been with Ricky to the very highest mountains in boxing to the lowest chasm in life."