“I want to get the truth out, otherwise people will just speculate.”
16:36, 25 Sep 2025Updated 16:37, 25 Sep 2025
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Paul Speak, Ricky Hatton and Jane Couch
Ricky Hatton’s manager was filled with “shock and confusion” when he discovered the boxer’s lifeless body. Paul Speak – who had worked with the former world champion for almost 30 years – found his friend dead at his Greater Manchester home earlier this month and he’s opened up about the wave of emotions that hit him as he processed the scene in front of him.
Paul – who had gone to Ricky’s home to take him to the airport for a flight to Dubai – told Boxing News magazine: “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.”
Paul insisted Ricky was “in a really good place” before his death at the age of 46 and had been making a lot of plans.
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.”
Ricky had spoken openly about his mental health struggles in the past and Paul admitted his friend’s death wouldn’t have been “as big a shock” if it had happened a decade ago.
He said: “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.”
Mental health support
Helplines and support groups
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website
Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably (0800 58 58 58) is a leading movement against suicide. It runs a UK helpline and webchat from 5pm to midnight 365 days a year for anyone who has hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.PANDAS (0808 1961 776) runs a free helpline and offers a support service for people who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression plus support for their family or network.Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more details.Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text SHOUT to 85258 to find relevant services near you.Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: support@ypas.org.ukPaul’s Place – providing free counselling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: paulsplace@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.ukThe Martin Gallier Project – offering face to face support for individuals considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: triage@gallierhouse.co.ukJames’ Place – supports men over 18 who are experiencing a suicidal crisis by providing quick access to therapy and support. Call 0151 303 5757 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm or visit https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/