‘I didn’t know it’d be the last hug’: Hatton’s parents reflect on son’s death | ITV News

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The parents of the late Ricky Hatton say they will “never fully be at peace” as they look ahead to the first anniversary of his death.

Carol and Ray Hatton paid the emotional tribute to their son after the boxing hero took his own life at the age of 46 in September 2025 – urging people to tell family and friends you love them before it is too late.

Speaking exclusively to ITV Granada Reports in their first interview since his death, the Hattons revealed they were in the process of building bridges with their son at the time of his death, after a family disagreement.

Carol says she made an impromptu visit to his gym in Hyde three days before his death.

“I pulled up on the car park because I saw his car,” she said. “He asked if everything was okay. I said ‘Yeah, everything’s fine.’ I said I’d like to see a bit more of him.”

She describes their final hug as “a real proper hug” and says Ricky spoke of his wish to meet up with his dad the following week. Tragically, that meeting never happened.

Carol said: “I’m so glad [I got to see him] because nobody knows when it’s the last time you’re going to see somebody.”

Ray added: “Carol told him to always remember how much we all love him.

“You tell your grandkids how much you love them, you tell your wife how much you love them but I think, especially with men, don’t ever be afraid of getting hold of your son and telling him you love him.”

Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde on 14 September 2025. In March an inquest concluded it was not clear he had intended to take his own life.

Post-mortem evidence revealed the former world champion had suffered damage to his brain identified as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), caused by repeated head injuries commonly found in contact sports.

Ricky’s parents say they hope their son is now at peace

His parents admit they are still struggling to process the loss.

Carol said: “He always used to do things that attracted attention. He wanted to make people laugh and smile.

“But they do say behind the biggest laugh and the biggest smile is the most pain. People who lose somebody are always saying ‘What if? What if?’

“But nobody knows what goes on inside a person’s mind. People say it’s a selfish act but you don’t know when that dark cloud comes.

“We will move forward because I know Richard will be looking down on his family. I really believe that.

“We have to move forward, living our lives, talking about him, remembering him and loving him.”

During a glittering boxing career, Hatton became a national and global superstar – a two-weight world champion who was a regular headliner on the Las Vegas strip. Tens of thousands of his adoring fans followed him to the USA to watch him fight and be part of his journey.

After crushing defeats to Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao and a short-lived comeback in 2012, Hatton struggled with his mental heath and battled drug and alcohol problems in his retirement. He spoke bravely and openly about those health issues, helping many in the same position.

“He used to regularly talk to people about mental health, giving them advice, telling them to speak to somebody, don’t do it alone,” said Ray.

“He gave it with a good heart and everything, but I don’t think he listened to himself.”

The Hattons thanked the public for their support in the weeks after Ricky’s death and admitted to being overwhelmed by the huge crowds that lined the streets of both Hyde and Manchester for his funeral service.

Ahead of the first anniversary of his death the Hattons have called for a statue of their son to be built in Manchester.

Ray said: “That would be nice. Whether it was blue or red, it made no difference. He was a Mancunian.”

“I don’t need a statue to remember him. None of the family do,” said Carol. “But he brought a lot of pride to Manchester and it would be a fitting tribute to my boy.”