British boxing mourned the loss of former world champion Ricky Hatton one year ago today. The 46-year-old, known as 'The Hitman,' was found dead at his home in Hyde by his long-time manager and friend Paul Speak. Hatton had been preparing for a trip to Dubai and was training for a potential return to the ring later that year. During an inquest into his death, the coroner noted she could not confirm whether Hatton had intended to take his own life. It was also revealed that he had been suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head injuries, which may have influenced his behavior. Hatton had been open about the challenges he faced throughout his career, and his story became a symbol of resilience for many. His death, however, highlighted the struggles faced by many former boxers who often deal with their difficulties in silence. Dave Harris, chairman of The Ringside Charitable Trust, has long advocated for better support systems for fighters after their careers end. Established in 2019, the Trust aims to provide assistance to those who have left the sport and now face emotional and financial challenges. Their goal is to open a 24-bed facility to help those who have nowhere else to turn. Despite calls for more support following Hatton's death, Harris expressed frustration over the lack of progress. He criticized the sport for its lack of duty of care, pointing out that several boxers have died by suicide and others have been saved from it. He called the situation 'disgusting,' stating that boxing has shown little interest in those who have helped it financially in the past. Former champions Johnny Nelson and Darren Barker have also spoken about the difficulties of life after boxing. Nelson described the post-retirement experience as 'so lonely, so dark,' while Barker admitted that while some fighters find contentment after retiring, others struggle to move on from the sport. In honor of Hatton, Barker has undertaken a 2,000-mile journey from Edinburgh to Morocco, swimming and cycling for 'The Longest Round,' to raise funds for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). Harris has also pushed for a portion of a fighter’s earnings to be allocated to a support fund, but has largely given up on influential figures in boxing stepping forward. The Ringside Trust is now working independently to realize its goals. Recently, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) partnered with Sporting Chance, a group founded by former football star Tony Adams, to offer mental health support to fighters. Meanwhile, Nelson is working on a savings scheme to ensure financial security for boxers at all levels, and is in discussions with banks and broadcasters to bring his ideas to life.