Ricky Hatton's manager, Paul Speak, has revealed the moment he discovered the boxing icon in his home, as details around his funeral emerge.
Speak, who managed Hatton throughout his career, found the boxer dead at his Manchester residence on 14 September.
The long-standing friend and representative has insisted that the 46-year-old had not meant to take his own life.
"I firmly believe he didn't intend to do it... he had it all to live for," Speak revealed to Boxing News magazine.
Ricky Hatton's manager, Paul Speak, has revealed the moment he discovered the boxing icon in his home
|"The lights weren’t on, which I thought was strange. I thought he’d overslept, but it’s not unusual. People do oversleep.
"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," he explained.
JUST IN: Fans fume over one major complaint at Ryder Cup coverage: 'Despicable!'
Paul Speak described the moment he found the body of Ricky Hatton
|Emergency services were summoned to the Hyde residence at 6.45am, where Greater Manchester Police confirmed they discovered a 46-year-old man's body.
Authorities stated they found no suspicious circumstances.
The boxer's family has now confirmed that a celebration of his life will be held at Manchester Cathedral on October 10.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
The service will be invitation-only, though supporters will have the chance to line the funeral procession route, which will be announced nearer the time.
The family released a moving statement describing Hatton as "more than a world champion", calling him a "loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many."
They acknowledged the tremendous support from the public whilst requesting privacy during their bereavement.
Hatton had previously spoken candidly about his battles with depression and substance abuse.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
The family of Ricky Hatton have confirmed a celebration of his life will be held at Manchester Cathedral on October 10
| GETTYDuring a 2017 television appearance, he admitted he considered ending his life multiple times following his defeat to Floyd Mayweather.
"I contemplated suicide many, many times. I started thinking of different ways to get through it and I thought I could drink myself to death," he had revealed, describing how he turned to drugs and alcohol in a destructive cycle.
The former world champion had been making numerous arrangements for the future, according to his manager.
Hatton had secured tickets to take his daughters Millie and Fearne to watch Oasis perform during their reunion tour, an event he had been eagerly anticipating.
Additionally, the 46-year-old had been maintaining his fitness regime in preparation for his ring return.
He was scheduled to fight 46-year-old Eisa Al Dah in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on December 2.
His final social media post depicted him training at the gym.
He had also recently recorded an encouraging video message for a young bullying victim, demonstrating his continued commitment to helping others despite his own struggles.