By Tim Parsons-
Manchester provided an emotional backdrop for the final farewell of one of its most celebrated sons, former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton.
The funeral procession at the Etihad Stadium. Pic: PA
Hatton’s parents Ray and Carol. Pic: PA
Hatton was an exciting fighter, the people’s champion, a well liked man with a massive fan base in Britain. Many of today’s amateur boxers were very young in Hatton’s hey days, and automatically picked up his stye, fighting like him.
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The funeral service drew massive crowds, not only of fans who admired his courageous style in the ring but also numerous high-profile celebrities who knew him personally. Among the most recognizable faces paying their respects were Oasis singer Liam Gallagher and England’s all-time leading goal scorer, Wayne Rooney.
Their presence underscored the enormous cultural footprint Hatton left, a legacy extending far beyond the boxing world into the heart of British popular culture. The atmosphere was understandably somber yet filled with deep respect for the man known affectionately as “The Hitman.”
The Reliant Regal owned by Hatton led the funeral procession. Pic: Action Images/Reuters
Mourners recalled Hatton’s magnetic personality and the fierce, passionate loyalty he showed to his hometown and his supporters. The outpouring of grief highlighted the profound sense of loss felt across Manchester and the wider sporting community for the beloved fighter. Known for his accessible, down-to-earth persona, Ricky Hatton embodied the spirit of the northern working class, making him a unique figure in modern sport.
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Cheers as Ricky Hatton’s coffin enters cathedral. Pic: Sky news
Hatton achieved world titles in both the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions, captivating audiences with his relentless, attacking style. Many of the tributes spoke of his triumphs inside the ring and the personal battles he faced outside it, making his story resonate deeply with ordinary people. The congregation included fellow boxers, trainers, and promoters, all gathering to honour a true legend.
The attendance of stars like Liam Gallagher and Wayne Rooney cemented the fact that Ricky Hatton was a true celebrity magnet. Gallagher, himself an iconic figure of the Britpop era, arrived looking visibly moved, reflecting the deep connection between Manchester’s music and sport legends.
Rooney, a superstar from the neighbouring sport of football, also paid his respects, symbolizing the cross-sport admiration Hatton commanded. Both men have always publicly supported Ricky Hatton, sharing a common bond of working-class roots and massive public fame. Their presence offered comfort to Hatton’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
Wayne and Coleen Rooney. Pic: PA
The funeral cortege moved slowly from his home in Gee Cross, past a number of his favourite pubs, including the one once owned by his parents Ray and Carol, to Manchester Cathedral. “New York, Paris, Peckham” it read on procession came to a halt at Manchester Cathedral, where 900 invited guests gathered inside.
Thousands of mourners gathered outside sang Hatton’s favourite song ‘there’s only one Hatton’ as the procession came to a halt at Manchester Cathedral were hundreds of invited guests gathered waited in the ancient building’s shadow and, as the cortege approached, they sang his famous son ‘there’s only one Ricky Hatton’ with all the vigour they once did when they invaded Las Vegas to watch his fights live.
His son Campbell stood in front of the 900 guests and paid tribute to his famous father. “I looked up to my dad in every aspect of life,” he said. “I can’t explain how much I’m going to miss you, Dad.”
His daughters Mille and Fearne, 13 and 12, also eulogised their father via pre-recorded video messages, “Why did you feel that way?” Millie said. “Why didn’t you reach out about how you felt?
The service featured several moving eulogies, painting a picture of a loyal friend, a devoted father, and a generous soul. These recollections focused on the human side of Ricky Hatton, separate from his boxing achievements. His relentless courage inside the ropes was only matched by his immense heart outside of them, a theme repeated by many speakers.
The funeral demonstrated how widely respected Hatton was by his peers and friends alike, a sentiment echoed in social media tributes worldwide. Mourners ultimately left the service celebrating a champion who always fought for Manchester., and laid it all on the line.
Ricky Hatton’s manager expressed scepticism about the true cause of the late boxing legend’s death, and promised to make it openly known to the public in due course.
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