Ricky Hatton gave a final interview days before his tragic passing.
Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde on September 14 at the age of 46.
The former world champion and British boxing cult figure had a public battle with mental health, but said he was “never better” during a sit-down interview with Darren Barker on his career and life, which was filmed four days before his sudden death.
“Never better to be honest with you,” Hatton said.
“I’ve filled my time up.
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“I thank myself every day that I didn’t kill myself, because I wouldn’t have seen my granddaughter, I wouldn’t have made up with [former trainer] Billy Graham.
“I wouldn’t have done my documentary. I did a documentary, I got great feedback from that.
“I did an exhibition with Marco Antonio Barrera.
“I went on Dancing On Ice, I probably wish I hadn’t to be honest with you!
“Look at all the things I’ve been able to do, positive things that have inspired others.
“Not just myself, inspired others and that’s because I went and spoke to someone.”
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Hatton was due to fly to Dubai on September 15 to sign a contract for his December fight with Eisa Al Dah, but was found dead in his home by his manager Paul Speak.
Greater Manchester Police said that his death was not being treated as suspicious.
“I firmly believe he didn’t intend to do it,” Speak told Boxing News.
“It’s for the coroner to determine, but he had it all to live for.
“He’d arranged to take his daughters to see Oasis next week.
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“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.”
Hatton built a fanbase which has been rarely seen since, taking legions of fans to Las Vegas for his mega fights with Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao respectively.
’The Hitman’ has received widespread tributes from across the sporting world and admits his connection with the fans is among his proudest achievements.
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“The best thing that come out of retirement with me, was the love that I had from the fans and the love that I have from the fans still,” he added.
“People remember me as one hell of a fighter, but one of the boys.”
Hatton’s funeral will take place on October 10 at Manchester Cathedral at 12pm.
His family have released a procession route which will begin at Cheshire Cheese and conclude at the Etihad Stadium, home to his beloved Manchester City, who paid their respects with a banner which read ‘The People’s Champion’ alongside a mural of Hatton, prior to their game against Burnley on Saturday.
Hatton defeated Juan Lazcano at the stadium in 2008 and flowers were laid down in his seat.
