Hatton’s ‘popularity eclipsed everything’ – boxing commentatorpublished at 12:41 BST
12:41 BST
Jonny Humphries
BBC News
Sky Sports boxing commentator Adam Smith was also in tears as he gave a eulogy.
There were smiles from those listening outside as he joked Hatton was “once upon a time not good enough to play for his beloved Man City” before adding that he was “an absolutely shocking carpet fitter”.
He said he was a “fantastic fighter” and his “popularity eclipsed everything”.
Smith’s voice wavered with emotion as he described how Hatton took his losses extremely hard, because he felt he would “let you all down, which I find heartbreaking”.
“I will forever love him, his fights, his friendship, his fun, his adoration of life. What a ride it was,” he said.
“There is, there was and only ever will be one Ricky Hatton.”
The crowd applauded as the speech ends.
Image source, PA Media