Hearn: Life after time in spotlight has to be tackled

BARRY Hearn believes life after a career in the spotlight is an issue all sports need to tackle - a concern highlighted by the sudden death of Ricky Hatton earlier this month.

- By GEORGE SESSIONS

Matchroom Sport president Hearn has been a key figure in numerous sports since the 1970s and on Monday was recognised for his work with the Freedom of the City of London in a ceremony at Guildhall.

On September 14, the boxing fraternity were shocked by the death of Hatton at the age of 46. Hatton’s family insisted the former world champion was “in a good place’, but the popular ‘Hitman’ had previously been candid about his mental health struggles and past suicide attempts.

It has sparked debate over whether enough is done to help sporting stars after retirement and Hearn said: “I think, to be fair, on the mental health side it’s not just boxing.