Thousands of adoring fans took to the streets of Manchester to give Ricky Hatton a champion’s send-off.
The British boxing legend was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14 at the age of 46.
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Fans lined the street to applaud Hatton’s processionCredit: PA
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Scarves were hung on railings down the streets of ManchesterCredit: PA
The tragic news shocked the sporting world and led to an outpouring of emotion from those whom he had touched.
Four days after what would have been his 47th birthday, Hatton’s funeral cortege made its way from the Cheshire Cheese pub in his hometown of Hyde to the Manchester Cathedral for a service with family and friends.
Along the way, the funeral procession passed the AO Arena, where the two-weight world champion enjoyed some of his most famous nights, including his career-best victory over Kostya Tszyu in 2005.
There was also a stop at The New Inn, his parents’ old pub, where doves were released in his honour.
Leading the procession all the way was Hatton’s beloved three-wheel Reliant Regal from his favourite television show, ‘Only Fools and Horses’.
Ricky Hatton’s coffin arrives at funeral
As guests filtered into the Cathedral, they were welcomed by a brass band rendition of Hatton’s famous chant ‘Walking in a Hatton wonderland’.
Sung to the melody of ‘Walking In A Winter Wonderland,’ “There’s Only One Ricky Hatton” would ring around arenas at all of Hatton’s fights.
So well supported was the Mancunian that the sound was just as deafening whether the bout took place in his hometown or abroad.
Among the sea of famous faces who attended to pay their respects were Tyson Fury, Wayne Rooney, Liam Gallagher, Frank Bruno and Freddie Flintoff.
Earlier in the day, while out on a run, two-time heavyweight world champion Fury paid tribute to his close friend, who had helped him mount an unlikely comeback in 2018.
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Fury was among those to attend the funeral serviceCredit: Getty
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Rooney also paid his respectsCredit: Getty
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Hatton’s coffin was painted sky blue – the colours of Manchester CityCredit: Getty
“Today is the day of Ricky Hatton’s funeral, and I’m not going to be alone here when I say this, but Ricky inspired me as a young boy to go on and do great things in boxing,” said Fury in a video uploaded to his Instagram story.
“I wanted to be just like him: the ring walks, the flashy shorts, the fans, the chanting.
“When I was a little kid, he was fighting for his world title in Manchester, and I was there along with a lot of kids to watch a fight by Ricky.
“So without Ricky Hatton, Manchester wouldn’t have had, the north-west wouldn’t have had, the UK wouldn’t have had so many boxing world champions inspired by the great Hitman Hatton.
“Rest in peace, Rick, see you soon, buddy.”
There was applause and cheers as Hatton’s coffin was carried into the Cathedral, led by his son Campbell and brother Matthew.
Ricky Hatton’s career achievements
Titles/Awards
Lineal/Ring Magazine Light Welterweight Championship (2005 – 2009, 5 defences)IBFÂ Light Welterweight Title (2005 – 2007, 2 defences)WBA Super Lightweight Title (2005 – 2006, 0 defences)WBA Welterweight Title (2006, 0 defences)British Super Lightweight Title (2000)2005 Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the YearKostya Tszyu RTD11 – June 2005Jose Luis Castillo KO4 – June 2007Paulie Malignaggi TKO11 – November 2008Luis Collazo UD – May 2006Carlos Maussa – KO9 – November 2005
The casket, which was topped by a beautiful bouquet of white flowers, had been painted sky blue – the colours of his beloved Manchester City.
Campbell Hatton gives emotional eulogy at dad’s funeral
During the service, Campbell gave a touching eulogy to his dad.
Fighting back tears, the ex-boxer said: “Never has a father and son had so much in common.
“I looked up to my dad in every aspect of life. All of that was fuelled by the love I had and always will have for him.
“I can’t explain how much I’m going to miss you, Dad. I can’t believe we’re not going to make any new memories together. But the ones I have I will treasure forever.”
talkSPORT’s Spencer Oliver reporting from Hatton’s funeralSpencer Oliver pays tribute to Ricky Hatton following funeral in Manchester
talkSPORT’s Spencer Oliver was in attendance for Hatton’s funeral and painted a picture of what the service looked like.
Speaking to talkSPORT’s Hawksbee and Jacobs in the early afternoon, the former European champion said: “Ricky never forgot where he came from, his feet were firmly on the ground, and the people appreciated that.
“And that is why you saw the turnout that you saw today. The streets were packed; there were thousands of fans out to pay their respects.
“I thought it was a beautiful tribute. It was very moving. His son Campbell Hatton gave a lovely speech, and Adam Smith gave a lovely tribute.”
Etihad Stadium says goodbye to Ricky Hatton
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Hatton’s procession ended at the Etihad Stadium, home to Manchester CityCredit: Getty
After the service, Hatton’s procession made its way to the Etihad Stadium, home to the Hall of Famer’s boyhood club.
It marked a fitting end to an emotional day as the Cityzen completed his journey at a place that he held so close to his heart.