Thousands have lined the streets in and around Manchester to pay their respects to Ricky Hatton on the day of his funeral, as the late boxing star’s son gave an emotional tribute.
Following a private memorial service at Manchester Cathedral, Hatton’s hearse made its final journey through the city, before arriving at the Etihad Stadium, home of his beloved Manchester City.
Tyson Fury, Wayne Rooney and Liam Gallagher were among the many mourners who arrived at the cathedral on Friday morning.
As his sky blue coffin was carried in, a mournful silence gave way to applause and cheers from the huge crowd standing outside.
The legend’s son Campbell gave a moving address at the memorial service, which was broadcast outside, saying Hatton’s grandson Lyla “idolised him”.
“I can’t explain how much I’m gonna miss you, dad. I’ll try my best to do you proud, I love you so much,” he said, crying between words.
Visibly emotional people chanted “there’s only one Ricky Hatton” as his funeral procession began outside his local pub in Hyde this morning, before moving past his boxing gym and the AO Arena.
Hatton unexpectedly died on 14 September at the age of 46, with the boxer found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.
Ricky Hatton funeral latest
- Hatton's coffin leaves cathedral as procession moves through Manchester to Etihad Stadium
- Former boxing world champion's coffin carried into Manchester Cathedral
- Hatton's son Campbell pays tearful tribute: 'I love you so much'
- Boxing stars and celebrities arrive to pay respects
- Emotional scenes as Hatton's funeral procession travels through home town
- On the ground: Hatton’s fitting farewell taught us one final lesson about his unique legacy
Boxing greats remember ‘people’s champion’ at Ricky Hatton’s funeral
15:41 , Athena StavrouFellow former boxing world champions paid tribute to “people’s champion” Ricky Hatton at his funeral in Manchester on Friday.
Former two weight world champion Amir Khan said: “He was a fantastic fighter, one of the best out there. He obviously inspired so many fighters like us.”
Former world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan was also among those who paid their respects.
Referencing the large turn-out of fans, many clad in the light blue of Hatton’s beloved Manchester City, McGuigan said: “It’s amazing but it’s not surprising to me because he was such a star, such a great human being.
“I’m up here with my two boys because he demands the respect that a hero in boxing demands. He’s an amazing guy, and he was a phenomenal fighter, just incredible. He brought people together.”
How did crowds describe Hatton today?
15:37 , Athena StavrouCombat Sports Editor Alex Pattle reports from Manchester:
And what of Hatton the person? Again and again, the words “down to earth” were used to describe Hatton, who would speak to anyone and everyone in the local pubs, where he could drink as well as he could box, so they say.
He was a uniquely funny man, in spite of mental struggles about which he was so open.
“I got married in June, went to Tenerife and was there with him,” remembered Maher tearfully, a Manchester United fan sporting a Man City shirt in honour of his friend’s beloved football club.
“He tried to take my wife off me!” Maher joked. “He told my father-in-law, ‘I’m your new son-in-law.’”
'He had time for everyone': Mourners share fond memories of Ricky Hatton in home town
15:04 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Video Journalist Caspar Barnes reports from Manchester:
Venessa Stansfield, who knew Ricky Hatton, has been selling blue flags to raise money for men’s mental health in light of the boxing champion’s death.
She told The Independent her phone has not stopped ringing this week with people looking to buy flags.
“He was amazing and he will be greatly missed,” she said.
She added: “It's just amazing to see how much our community has come together, all of Manchester in fact.
“I know from here down to the cathedral, this is what the roads are going to be like.”
Recalling time she had met Ricky, she told said: “Every time I was out in the pubs down here, down here, he'd always come over, chat. Say hello, make conversation.”
“He always had time for everyone, all the local people around here.”
Watch: Ricky Hatton’s coffin arrives at Manchester Cathedral
14:37 , Athena StavrouIn pictures: Hatton's hearse arrives at beloved Man City's stadium
14:10 , Tara Cobham
On the ground: Hatton’s fitting farewell taught us one final lesson about his unique legacy
13:52 , Tara CobhamIt felt like pathetic fallacy: as the morning of Ricky Hatton’s funeral dawned, droplets of rain landed on the pavements and parks in and around Manchester like ceaseless jabs. It was an incrementally overwhelming bombardment that Hatton himself would have been proud of. Less than a month after one of Britain’s finest boxers suddenly passed away, at the age of just 46, it was time to pay a collective tribute.
The tributes began in Hyde, Greater Manchester, where Hatton resided; they ended – although, really, they may never truly end – at Manchester Cathedral. It felt as though a staggering percentage of the city’s population, and those of its suburbs, had turned out to mourn Hatton’s death and celebrate his life.
Indeed, “Look at the impact, how many people are missing work, school, just to see the car go past,” The Independent was told by Danny Atkinson. The local, who trained in boxing under Hatton’s brother Matthew, hailed Ricky as “one of my first heroes” while speaking outside the former world champion’s local pub – the Cheshire Cheese.
The Independent’s combat sports editor Alex Pattle reports from Manchester:
Ricky Hatton’s fitting farewell taught us one final lesson about his unique legacy
Watch: Ricky Hatton honoured with funeral procession through Manchester
13:45 , Tara CobhamHatton's funeral procession arrives at Etihad Stadium
13:39 , Tara CobhamRicky Hatton’s funeral procession has arrived at the Etihad Stadium, the home of the legendary fighter’s beloved Manchester City.
Liam Gallagher and Rooneys among host of stars attending Hatton's funeral
13:27 , Tara CobhamA host of stars including Liam Gallagher arrived at Manchester Cathedral to pay their respects to former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton.
Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen, boxers Tyson and Tommy Fury, Happy Mondays’ Shaun Ryder and Mark “Bez” Berry, reality TV personality Calum Best, comedian Paddy McGuinness, former cricket star Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff and actor Dean Gaffney were among those spotted on Friday.
Also seen arriving at the cathedral were boxers Frazer Clarke and Natasha Jonas, former boxers Amir Khan, Scott Welch, Frank Bruno, Barry McGuigan and Anthony Crolla, former Manchester City footballer Mike Summerbee, pundit and former footballer Chris Kamara and Hatton’s former trainer Billy Graham.
Hatton's coffin leaves cathedral as procession moves through Manchester to Etihad Stadium
13:10 , Tara CobhamFollowing the private memorial service at Manchester Cathedral, Ricky Hatton’s hearse is making its final journey through Manchester.
The procession will make its way from the cathedral to the Etihad Stadium, home of Hatton’s beloved Manchester City.
Members of the public have been invited to line the route to pay their respects.
'I wore this out of respect today for Ricky'
13:00 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Video Journalist Caspar Barnes reports from Manchester:
Michael Maher, a Manchester United supporter, is wearing the colours of his friend Ricky’s team today, Manchester City.
He will be going to City’s Eithad Statium later today to lay a wreath in honour of his friend.
“I mean, I'm not even a City fan, I'm a United fan,” he said.
“I wore this out of respect today for Ricky.”
Ricky Hatton's family arrive at his funeral
12:48 , Athena Stavrou
Ricky's mother reminisces on boxer as a baby
12:40 , Athena StavrouCombat Sports Editor Alex Pattle reports from Manchester:
Now a speech, written by Hatton’s mother, is read out on her behalf. She reminisces on how other mothers on the ward, where Ricky was born, told her childbirth wasn’t that bad; but then Ricky ended up weighing almost twice as much as theirs.
A condition meant he had two black eyes as a baby. “Everyone said he was a little bruiser. He looked like a boxer.”
'I’ll try my best to do you proud': Ricky Hatton's son gives tearful speech
12:33 , Athena StavrouCombat Sports Editor Alex Pattle reports from Manchester:
Ricky Hatton’s son, Campbell. is speaking tearfully now, saying Ricky’s grandson Lyla “idolised him”.
“I can’t explain how much I’m gonna miss you, dad. I’ll try my best to do you proud, I love you so much,” he said, sobbing between words.
Boxing commentator Adam Smith gives emotional address
12:24 , Athena StavrouCombat Sports Editor Alex Pattle reports from Manchester:
An address is now being given by boxing commentator Adam Smith, one of the most-recognisable voices in sport.
Smith hails Hatton as “a warrior”. “My friend, you never changed, which is rare,” he says, audibly choking up.
Address broadcast to crowds outside
12:09 , Athena StavrouCombat Sports Editor Alex Pattle reports from Manchester:
An address, from inside the cathedral, is broadcast on speakers outside.
The speaker hails Hatton as not only a “champion boxer” but a “son of Manchester”, who “inspired many lives”.
Hatton's coffin carried into cathedral
12:03 , Athena StavrouRicky Hatton’s coffin is being carried into Manchester Cathedral now.
Cheers erupted from the huge crowds outside the cathedral as Hatton’s family lifted the sky blue coffin.
Andy Burnham and Liam Gallagher at funeral
12:00 , Athena StavrouCombat Sports Editor Alex Pattle reports from Manchester:
With the likes of Wayne Rooney and Manchester mayor Andy Burnham present, and word spreading that Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher is here, there really is a who’s-who not just of the boxing world, or even the sporting world; it’s a who’s-who of major personalities associated with Manchester.
Yet it’s through the public turnout that it’s made clearest what a significant day this is – and what a significant figure Hatton was to this city. And so he will remain, no doubt.
Procession arrives at cathedral for funeral
11:56 , Athena StavrouRicky Hatton’s procession has arrived at Manchester Cathedral for his funeral.
Huge crowds clapped and cheered outside the cathedral as the private service is due to start soon.
Ricky Hatton was 'my first hero’: Fans line streets to bid farewell to boxer
11:53 , Athena StavrouA show of unity to bid farewell to Ricky Hatton
11:52 , Athena StavrouCombat Sports Editor Alex Pattle reports from Manchester:
Irish boxing icon Barry McGuigan just arrived with his son Shane, a top-level coach, very close behind ex-world champion Carl Frampton.
Barry McGuigan previously promoted Frampton, and the pair were embroiled in a multi-million pound lawsuit that was settled out of court in 2020, but here they are in close vicinity; it’s a reminder that today is about unity, and about a shared love of Ricky Hatton.
Wayne Rooney arrives at funeral
11:49 , Athena StavrouWayne Rooney is the latest sporting star to have arrived at Manchester Cathedral for Ricky Hatton’s funeral.
The former Manchester United and England player was a friend of Hatton, having helped carry his championship belts into the ring for his 2007 fight against Jose Luis Castillo in Vegas.
-and-Coleen-Rooney-arrive-ahead-of-the-funeral-service-for-Ricky-Hatton-at-Manch.jpeg)
Frank Bruno: 'There will never be another Ricky'
11:43 , Athena StavrouBoxing legend Frank Bruno has arrived at Manchester Cathedral to pay his respects.
The heavyweight legend told the BBC: "There will never be another Ricky or anyone like him and at this time I share the shock and upset of losing what I consider to be a great fighter, a friend and an amazing human being."
Crowds gather outside Manchester Cathedral
11:37 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Video Journalist Caspar Barnes reports from Manchester:
Watch: Hundreds of well-wishers line streets for Ricky Hatton's funeral procession
11:33 , Athena StavrouBoxing stars and celebrities arrive at Manchester Cathedral
11:25 , Athena StavrouMany boxing stars and celebrities have arrived at Manchester Cathedral ahead of Ricky Hatton’s funeral service.
Before the ceremony is set to begin at midday, boxers including Frank Bruno, Tyson Fury, Amir Khan and Frazer Clarke arrived.
They were among other familiar faces who have turned out to pay their respects including Paddy McGuinness and actor Tamer Hassan.
Massive crowds testament to Hatton's legacy
11:09 , Athena StavrouCombat Sports Editor Alex Pattle reports from Manchester:
Much of the route from Hyde to Manchester is lined with crowds of people along the road waving blue balloons and flags.
Many of the fans are wearing Manchester City football jerseys, Hatton’s favourite club.
There were lots of adults who had brought their children along, many of those too young to have ever seen Hatton box.
Standing in the crowds, Cheshire local Danny Atkinson said it’s a testament to the impact that Hatton has had on Manchester that so many people have either left work or been taken out of school to pay tribute to the boxer.
Tyson Fury arrives at funeral
11:04 , Athena StavrouTyson Fury has arrived at Manchester Cathedral for Ricky Hatton’s funeral.
Amir Khan arrives at funeral
11:00 , Athena StavrouFellow boxer Amir Khan has arrived at Manchester Cathedral ahead of Ricky Hatton’s funeral service.
The Olympic boxing silver medallist told the BBC he “needed to be here to show his respects".
He said: “He was a good friend of mine, he was a family friend he used to come over to the house and we were talking on the phone quite regularly. It’s a big loss for us.”
Procession moves through Hyde
10:55 , Athena StavrouThe procession is almost at Ricky Hatton’s boxing gym, where huge crowds are have lined the entire high street.
People threw flowers towards the cars as they clapped the procession.
'He had time for everyone': Mourners share fond memories of Ricky Hatton in home town
10:46 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Video Journalist Caspar Barnes reports from Manchester:
Venessa Stansfield, who knew Ricky Hatton, has been selling blue flags to raise money for men’s mental health in light of the boxing champion’s death.
She told The Independent her phone has not stopped ringing this week with people looking to buy flags.
“He was amazing and he will be greatly missed,” she said.
She added: “It's just amazing to see how much our community has come together, all of Manchester in fact.
“I know from here down to the cathedral, this is what the roads are going to be like.”
Recalling time she had met Ricky, she told said: “Every time I was out in the pubs down here, down here, he'd always come over, chat. Say hello, make conversation.”
“He always had time for everyone, all the local people around here.”
People watch funeral in Hatton's local pub
10:41 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Combat Sports Editor Alex Pattle and Video Journalist Caspar Barnes are in Manchester.
Inside the Cheshire Cheese pub, where the procession began, people have gone inside to watch the rest of the funeral.
Crowds clap as procession passes dove release in honour of fighter
10:28 , Athena StavrouRicky Hatton’s funeral procession is continuing along it’s route in Hyde, Manchester.
The people lining the streets are clapping as the beloved fighter passes.
The procession is now at it’s third stop, The New Inn, where there was a dove release.
As the dove’s flew, people began chanting “there’s only one Ricky Hatton”.
Procession passes hundreds of mourners at next stop
10:16 , Athena StavrouThe funeral procession has paused at it’s second stop, the Harehill Tavern.
Large crowds have gathered here, and can be seen clapping as they pay their respects.
Mourners in tears outside Hatton's local
10:14 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Combat Sports Editor Alex Pattle and Video Journalist Caspar Barnes report from Manchester:
Grown men and women alike in tears in the crowd as the hearse containing the coffin of Richard John Hatton rolls past the Cheshire Cheese pub.
Inside the Cheshire Cheese pub itself, TV screens are showing live coverage of the funeral procession outside – quite a surreal thing.
It’s a small pub. By a mixing desk in the corner, there’s a screen with a Spotify playlist loaded.
It’s titled “The Hitman”, and features songs like “Little By Little” by Oasis, “Burning Heat” by Survivor, and “Mystery Train” by Elvis.
Procession features yellow three-wheeler car
10:06 , Athena StavrouPeople watching the funeral may have notice it features a yellow car at the front of the procession.
It is a Reliant Regal, a famous three-wheeler yellow car made famous by Only Fools and Horses.
Ricky Hatton owned a Reliant Regal from the show and was seen driving it during his life.
Pictured: Emotional scenes as Ricky Hatton's funeral procession travels through home town
10:01 , Athena Stavrou
Moving scenes as procession begins
09:55 , Athena StavrouCombat Sports Editor Alex Pattle reports from Manchester:
The funeral procession begins, with Man City & Ricky Hatton scarves raised by loved ones on either side of the road.
Some hoisting flags are struggling to fight back tears, as are many in the crowd.The procession is led by the yellow three-wheeler – towed along – from Only Fools And Horses.
Hatton, a huge fan of the comedy, owned what we believe is the original vehicle.As the hearse follows, a rendition of “There’s only one Ricky Hatton!” rings out.
During a brief pause, flowers are laid on one of the vehicles.
Some of Hatton’s family are in cars near the rear of the procession, hearing the singing and applause but struggling to look up.
Procession underway
09:45 , Athena StavrouThousands have lined the streets as Ricky Hatton’s funeral procession began in his home town.
Well wishers gathered outside his local, the Cheshire Cheese Pub, on Friday morning where the procession began at 9:45am.
It will now go past his boxing gym and the AO Arena as it heads towards Manchester Cathedral.
Hatton was a 'hero', say mourners gathered for funeral procession
09:42 , Athena StavrouCombat Sports Editor Alex Pattle reports from Manchester:
The Independent has arrived in Hyde, where Hatton’s funeral procession will start very shortly outside the Cheshire Cheese pub.
As we turn the corner and arrive at the pub itself, some family and loved ones are also arriving, dressed in black but with blue roses pinned to their tops and dresses.
The pub has a large crowd outside on both sides of the road, with well-wishers sporting Man City scarves and shirts, and Hatton T-shirts.
Other media has arrived and a Lamborghini just pulled up – we’re unsure who is inside at the moment.
The Independent’s early conversations with well-wishers drive home a consistent message: Hatton the man was “down to earth” and “had time for everyone” – many of those gathered here spent time with him in local pubs – and Hatton the boxer was a “hero”.
“Tenacious”, says Danny Atkinson, who trains with Ricky’s brother Matthew.
Well-wishers gather at Hatton's local ahead of procession
09:30 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Combat Sports Editor Alex Pattle and Video Journalist Caspar Barnes are in Stockport.
Some people have started to gather outside the Cheshire Cheese Pub – Hatton’s local – where the procession to Manchester Cathedral is to begin shortly.
Blue balloons on display on Ricky Hatton's road ahead of funeral
09:12 , Athena StavrouCombat Sports Editor and Sports Writer Alex Pattle reports from Manchester:
The road where Hatton lived, very close to the Cheshire Cheese pub where today’s procession will begin, is closed off past a certain point.
It’s thought family are in the home, with security and police offering some peace for them. Balloons, white and sky blue for Hatton’s beloved Man City FC, are tied outside some houses.
The Cheshire Cheese pub has a long queue outside with people sporting City scarves and shirts.
Other media has arrived and a Lamborghini just pulled up - we’re unsure who is inside.
Hatton's charity work
09:02 , Athena StavrouRicky Hatton was a tireless ambassador for mental health charities as well as Manchester-based Barnabus, which supports homeless and vulnerable people.
Before his death, he had resumed training and his family said he had been “in a good place” and “excited for the future”.
Full story: Ricky Hatton’s family confirm route for boxing icon’s funeral procession as fans prepare to pay respects
08:51 , Athena Stavrou
Ricky Hatton’s family confirm route for boxing icon’s funeral procession
The Independent reporting from the ground in Stockport
08:34 , Athena StavrouCombat Sports Editor and Sports Writer Alex Pattle reports from Manchester:
The Independent has just arrived in Stockport, en route to Hyde for the start of Hatton’s funeral procession.
It’s a grey day, although you could say every day has felt slightly greyer since the “Hitman”’s passing.
Perhaps in a bit of pathetic fallacy, droplets of rain are landing like ceaseless jabs.
Here’s hoping the sun comes out for Hatton and his family sometime today.
Funeral comes days after Hatton's 47th birthday
08:25 , Athena StavrouToday’s funeral for boxing legend Ricky Hatton comes four days after Hatton would have turned 47.
His son, Campbell Hatton, shared a birthday message for his father earlier this week.
He wrote in an Instagram post: “Happy birthday 🩵 wish we was spending it together x”
Tributes outside Hatton's boxing gym ahead of funeral
08:10 , Athena Stavrou
Ricky Hatton's legendary career
07:57 , Athena StavrouHatton’s all-action style brought him 45 wins and three defeats from 48 contests but it was his down-to-earth demeanour that especially endeared him to fellow professionals and fans around the world.
That was evidenced by tens of thousands following him to Las Vegas, where he fought the two pound-for-pound greatest fighters of his era in Floyd Mayweather and Pacquiao, with stories of UK fans singing ‘there’s only one Ricky Hatton’ and drinking Sin City dry going down in boxing folklore.
Hatton’s standout triumph was perhaps his stoppage of Kostya Tszyu in Manchester in 2005.
Hatton suffered his first professional defeat when he was stopped by Mayweather in 2007 while a vicious second-round knockout by Pacquiao two years later precipitated his fall from top-level boxing.
A misguided comeback attempt against Vyacheslav Senchenko in 2012 marked the first public admission Hatton was struggling to cope in retirement.
Mapped: Today's procession route
07:37 , Athena StavrouWatch: British boxing icon Ricky Hatton dies aged 46
07:31 , Athena StavrouThousands expected to line the streets to pay tribute
07:26 , Athena StavrouThousands of people are expected to turn out in Manchester to pay their respects to late boxing star Ricky Hatton.
Members of the public will be allowed to line the route of the funeral procession on Friday as boxing and sport stars are also expected to pay tribute in Manchester.
Tributes flooded in after news of Hatton’s death emerged last month, including from former world heavyweight champions Frank Bruno, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, fellow Briton Amir Khan, one-time foe Manny Pacquiao and Roberto Duran, Hatton’s hero.
Route and timings announced ahead of procession through Manchester
07:19 , Athena StavrouA funeral procession will start at 9.45am at the Cheshire Cheese Pub – Hatton’s local – and goes to Manchester Cathedral, with thousands expected to line the streets to reflect on his life and times.
The cortege includes stops at Hatton’s boxing gym and the AO Arena, where he enjoyed some of his finest nights, the highlight indisputably being a win over the celebrated Kostya Tszyu on a raucous night 20 years ago to capture his first world title.
Following a private memorial service at midday, the commemorative march will head to the Etihad Stadium, the home of Hatton’s beloved Manchester City.
Funeral for British boxing legend Ricky Hatton to be held today, after his death aged 46
07:15 , Athena StavrouThousands of well-wishers are expected to gather in and around Manchester to pay tribute to the late boxing legend Ricky Hatton, after his sudden death last month.
Today, a funeral will take place at Manchester Cathedral at 12pm, after a procession begins at 9:45am in Hyde and travels into the city itself.
The Independent will be on the ground to speak to those gathered, and to convey the atmosphere on what is sure to be an emotional day – just four days after Hatton would have turned 47.
