Carol Hatton, mother of the former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton, has recalled the final hug she shared with her son three days before he took his own life a year ago, as she and her husband Ray speak publicly for the first time since his death.
Hatton, who held world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight during a career that made him one of Britain's most popular fighters, died by suicide on September 14, 2025, at the age of 46.
Carol and Ray Hatton have urged people to tell their friends and family they love them before it is too late.
The couple say they want something good to come from their son's death by encouraging others not to leave things unsaid with the people they love.
A last, unplanned visit
Carol told ITV News that in the days before Ricky died, he had been in an argument with his parents but the family were "building bridges". She decided to make an unplanned visit to his gym in Hyde, Greater Manchester, after spotting his car in the car park.
"I pulled up on the car park because I saw his car. He asked if everything was okay," she said. "I said, 'yeah, everything's fine.' I said I'd like to see a bit more of him."
Carol said her son told her he wanted to see his father the following week. Ricky died three days later.
"I'm so glad I got to see him, because nobody knows when it's the last time you're going to see somebody," she said.
Ray said people should not be afraid to tell their sons they love them. "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," he said.
Who is Ricky Hatton
Hatton, nicknamed "The Hitman", was one of the most successful British boxers of his generation, winning world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight and drawing huge, travelling crowds of Manchester supporters to his fights. He faced Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao during his career and remained one of the city's best known sporting figures after retiring.
He had previously spoken publicly about his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction and had survived earlier suicide attempts.
Years of estrangement
Ricky had been estranged from his parents for around a decade before he reached out to repair their relationship several years before his death. The rift began over money, and although the dispute continued, he still allowed Carol and Ray to see his newborn daughter, Millie.
Ricky became upset when his girlfriend, Jennifer, was not invited to a Christmas Day party held by his parents. Months later, he received letters from his parents' lawyers saying they wanted access to their granddaughter.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News in 2013, Ricky said he had responded through solicitors to tell his parents he did not want them to have contact with Millie. "We have never stopped them seeing her, as far as I was concerned they had just not been ******," he said at the time. "I know that sounds harsh and I am sure they see it differently, but it is how I feel."
He described the family feud, played out through an exchange of solicitors' letters, as "bitter and horrible" and said the whole situation "was a mess".
The car park fight
The dispute culminated in a physical altercation between father and son in a car park. Ray, angry about comments Ricky had made about his mother in a solicitor's letter, punched his son in the face. Ricky hit back before his father drove away.
Calls for a statue
Ricky's parents are still struggling to come to terms with his death. Carol said the couple "have to move forward" while continuing "remembering him and loving him".
Carol and Ray have called for a statue of Ricky to be erected in Manchester, describing it as a "fitting tribute" to a son who "brought a lot of pride" to the city.
Anyone affected by the issues raised in this article can contact the Samaritans free at any time on 116 123, or visit samaritans.org.
