A city united in grief as thousands bid farewell to beloved boxer Ricky Hatton at an emotional funeral
Manchester stood still on Friday as tens of thousands gathered to bid a final farewell to one of its greatest sporting icons, Ricky Hatton. The former world champion boxer, adored across Britain and beyond, was laid to rest in an emotional ceremony that captured the heart and spirit of the city he loved.
Hatton, who died at home on 14 September aged 46, was a fighter unlike any other — a man who brought pride to Manchester and drew legions of fans across the Atlantic to cheer him in his epic bouts against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. When news of his death broke, tributes poured in from across the world, and a minute’s silence was held before the Manchester derby later that same day.
On Friday morning, his funeral cortege began its journey at the Cheshire Cheese in Hyde — Hatton’s favourite local pub, just a short walk from his home. From there, the hearse, surrounded by crowds clapping and cheering, wound slowly through the streets on a two-hour procession toward Manchester Cathedral.
The route passed several places that defined Hatton’s life, including the Harehill Tavern and his boxing gym. At the Tavern, a mural was unveiled in his honour as the hearse paused, surrounded by supporters waving flags and wiping tears.
Once at the cathedral, Hatton’s coffin — painted in the pale blue of his beloved Manchester City — was carried inside by close family and friends, including his brother and fellow boxer Matthew Hatton, his son Campbell, and his long-time manager, Paul Speak.
The city’s famous faces came out in force to pay their respects. Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher — a friend and fellow City supporter — joined Wayne Rooney, Shaun Ryder, Bez, and a host of British boxing legends, including Tyson Fury, Tony Bellew, Amir Khan, and Anthony Crolla. Gallagher and his brother Noel had famously carried Hatton’s championship belts into the ring during his 2008 fight with Paulie Malignaggi, one of the most iconic nights in British boxing history.
Inside the cathedral, the atmosphere was both solemn and affectionate. Hatton’s son, Campbell, delivered a moving eulogy, calling his father “the people’s champion” and speaking of the deep admiration he felt.
“I can’t explain how much I’m going to miss you, Dad,” he said, his voice breaking. “Growing up, I looked up to my dad in every aspect of life — not just for his boxing, but for the way he treated people. He carried himself with love and humility, and I’ll cherish every memory we made together.”
Following the service, Hatton’s coffin was taken to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium for a private farewell. Leading the procession was a yellow Reliant Regal van — the original from Only Fools and Horses — which Hatton had owned, a final nod to the humour and warmth that defined him.
Friends and fans lined the route once more, applauding through tears. Many shared stories of a man who, despite fame and fortune, never lost touch with his roots.
“Ricky was one of us,” said Mike Lunney, who had travelled to Las Vegas to see Hatton fight in 2007. “Look at the turnout today — this is how much he meant. He was a boy from Manchester who became a hero to everyone.”
His friend Martin Taylor agreed. “He’d talk to anyone, buy them a pint, make you feel like you’d known him forever. That’s why everyone loved him. He wasn’t just the Hitman — he was Ricky.”
As the cortege passed beneath the grey Manchester skies, applause and chants of “There’s only one Ricky Hatton” echoed across the streets. The fighter who once made arenas roar departed in the same way he lived — surrounded by the love of his city.