Manchester Bids Farewell to Boxing Legend Ricky Hatton

Manchester, England — Thousands gathered on Friday to pay their respects to Ricky Hatton, the former two-weight world champion, as his funeral procession made its way through the city. Hatton, known as ‘The Hitman’, died unexpectedly at age 46 on September 14 at his home in Hyde.

The emotional procession began at the Cheshire Cheese Pub, a local favorite for Hatton, at 9:45 a.m. It proceeded past several significant stops in his life, including Hatton’s Gym and the AO Arena, culminating at Manchester Cathedral for a private memorial service at noon.

Cutting through the streets lined with mourners, the procession featured Hatton’s yellow Reliant Regal—a nod to his love for the British comedy series ‘Only Fools and Horses’. As the cortege moved forward, fans chanted “There’s only one Ricky Hatton” and released blue balloons to honor the boxing icon.

Among the attendees were notable boxers including Tyson Fury, who expressed his admiration for Hatton in a heartfelt video, remembering how he inspired many in the boxing community. Fury stated, “Without Ricky Hatton, Manchester would not have had so many boxing world champions… inspired by the great Richard ‘the Hitman’ Hatton.”

The funeral saw tributes not just from fans but also from local businesses and public figures. Harton’s former manager remarked on how the community was mourning the loss of a local hero who remained close to his roots despite his global fame.

Hatton’s family released a statement recalling him as more than just a champion, saying, “To us, he was simply ‘Richard’, our son… He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, humility, and love for the sport.” They also expressed their gratitude for the support from the community during this difficult time.

As the procession concluded at the cathedral, attendees continued to honor his memory, affirming the lasting impact Hatton had on the sport and the city. The outpouring of love and support underscored that Ricky Hatton will forever be remembered not just for his achievements in the ring but for the joy and inspiration he brought to many.