The 46-year-old was found dead at his home last month and the new charity aims to ‘raise funds and awareness’ to help those in need gain access to mental health services
Boxing legend Ricky Hatton has been remembered with the launch of a vital new foundation in the wake of his tragic death.
The 46-year-old former two-weight world champion was found dead at his Manchester home on Sunday, September 14, sending shockwaves through the boxing and wider sporting world. Now, a new charity has been set up in Ricky’s name that aims to help other sportspeople struggling with their mental health – just as The Hitman had bravely opened up about his own demons.
A statement on the Ricky Hatton Foundation’s website reads: “Ricky was open and honest about his own struggles with mental health.”
While in an emotional post shared on Instagram, the foundation said: “The Ricky Hatton Foundation – a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of current and former sportspeople.
“Ricky inspired millions with his courage, honesty, and heart. Away from the lights, he also spoke openly about his own battles – reminding us that even the toughest fighters can struggle.
“Through this foundation, we aim to turn that honesty into hope, helping others find the support they need when the fight feels hardest.
“The foundation will raise funds and awareness to provide access to mental health services, community programmes, and educational campaigns across sport.
“It will also continue to build on Ricky’s incredible legacy – one built on courage, compassion, and connection. Together, we can make sure no fighter fights alone.”
Ricky, who won 45 of his 48 bouts during a glittering career, was a national treasure – famed for his fierce body shots in the ring and his brutal honesty outside it.
Since retiring in 2012, he became a powerful voice in the fight for mental health awareness in sport. He was due to come out of retirement, however, and make his comeback fight against Eisa Al Dah on December 2.
Last Friday, Ricky’s funeral took place in Manchester as thousands of mourners lined the streets of the city to so a final farewell.
Many wore Manchester City scarves in his honour – his beloved club – and his memorial service saw a host of famous pals in attendance, including boxers Tyson Fury and Tony Bellew as well as Oasis singer Liam Gallagher.
Only a few months before his untimely death, Ricky told the Daily Star the words he would want as an epitaph in a now poignant interview.
He said when asked about death and an epitaph: “I don’t know… I think when we die it’s not over and we have a soul. I would like to see, ‘I hope we go to a better place’ as my epitaph.”
Ricky added he also wanted his grave message to state: “I was a good person and a good dad.”
When asked to detail his greatest regrets, he said he would like to have shed his inner “beast”, which he compared to the torments fellow boxing titan Mike Tyson has claimed haunt him. He also said: “I don’t like the time I spent away from my family.”
For more information on The Ricky Hatton Foundation, click here.
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