Ricky Hatton funeral: Mother and son pay tribute to boxing legend in emotional service in Manchester

WATCH NOW: Touching moment Manchester crowd erupt into applause in tribute of Ricky Hatton

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 10/10/2025

- 09:35

Updated: 10/10/2025

- 14:45
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 10/10/2025

- 09:35

Updated: 10/10/2025

- 14:45

The boxing legend was tragically found dead at his home in Manchester on September 14

Thousands paid tribute to Ricky Hatton on Friday following the tragic death of the boxing legend aged 46.

'The Hitman' was found dead at his home in Hyde, Manchester, on September 14 - with the sporting world left reeling by the news.


Hatton established himself as a boxing icon during his time in the sport, winning the hearts of millions due to his fighting spirit and loveable character.

Re-cap how the emotional day unfolded below...

Thank you for joining us today

Ricky Hatton's funeral has now concluded, with the boxing icon set to be laid to rest.

It has been a very emotional day in Manchester, with thousands flooding the streets to pay tribute to the 46-year-old after his untimely death.

RIP Ricky. Gone, but certainly not forgotten.

Campbell Hatton pays tribute to father during service

Ricky Hatton’s son, Campbell, delivered a heartfelt tribute to his father during the funeral service in Manchester.

Following in Ricky’s footsteps, Campbell pursued his own boxing career, securing 14 wins in 16 professional bouts before retiring earlier this year.

Through tears, he said: “I can’t put into words how much I’m going to miss you, Dad. We won’t get to make any more memories together, but the ones we shared — I’ll treasure them for the rest of my life.”

Carol Hatton's statement read out in Manchester Cathedral

During the service at Manchester Cathedral, a message from Ricky Hatton’s mother, Carol, was read aloud.

In her statement, she shared: “Ricky — ‘The Hitman’ — was loved by so many, a true People’s Champion, and that’s exactly how he’d want to be remembered.

"But to us, long before the world knew his name, he was our little champion from the moment he was born.”

Procession arrives at Etihad Stadium as mourners continue to pay tribute

Ricky Hatton

Hundreds of fans gathered outside the Etihad Stadium to pay tribute to Ricky Hatton

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REUTERS

The funeral procession has now reached the Etihad Stadium, greeted by hundreds of supporters who have gathered to pay their respects.

As the cortege approaches the front of the stadium and comes to a stop, the crowd breaks into applause, offering a final salute to Ricky Hatton.

Mourners leave Manchester Cathedral after funeral service for Ricky Hatton

As the service draws to a close, mourners are slowly leaving Manchester Cathedral, many pausing to share memories and pay their final respects.

Familiar faces from both music and sport came together to honour Ricky Hatton — including Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, Happy Mondays singer Shaun Ryder, footballer Wayne Rooney, and cricketer Freddie Flintoff.

The boxing community was also strongly represented, with Tyson Fury, Amir Khan, Tony Bellew, and Nigel and Conor Benn among those who attended the farewell.

Coffin carried out of Manchester Cathedral with procession set to continue at Etihad Stadium

Ricky Hatton

Ricky Hatton's coffin has been carried out of Manchester Cathedral

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REUTERS

Ricky Hatton’s coffin is now being carried out of Manchester Cathedral.

As it is placed back onto the hearse, the crowds gathered outside applaud and cheer in a final tribute. The procession will now continue on to the Etihad Stadium.

Oasis songs play as fans pay tribute to Ricky Hatton

Large crowds continue to gather outside Manchester Cathedral, paying their respects as the service takes place inside.

At the moment, mourners are listening to a heartfelt tribute to Ricky Hatton, set to the soundtrack of Oasis’s Live Forever.

Ricky Hatton's parents hold hands as they arrive at Manchester Cathedral

Ricky Hatton parents

Ricky Hatton's parents were emotional as they attended the funeral of their son on Friday

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REUTERS

Ricky Hatton's parents, Carol and Ray, walked into the Cathedral holding hands.

Carol was seen crying while there were cheers for Hatton, who was loved and adored by so many.

Ricky Hatton's coffin carried into Manchester Cathedral

Ricky Hatton

Ricky Hatton’s family have now arrived at Manchester Cathedral as the funeral cortege reaches its destination

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GBNEWS

Ricky Hatton’s family have now arrived at Manchester Cathedral as the funeral cortege reaches its destination.

His coffin, painted in sky blue — a tribute to his beloved Manchester City — was carried inside as mourners looked on.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham paid his respects, saying: “I’m here on behalf of the whole of Manchester. Ricky was a true working-class hero.

“When I was elected mayor, he’d often be there — sometimes quietly, at small community events. He showed up for people, and you can’t say that about everyone. That really matters in life.

“He was one of us, from this place, and that’s why people loved him. He made Manchester proud on the world stage.”

Amir Khan among mourners at Ricky Hatton's funeral

Amir Khan

Amir Khan pictured at Ricky Hatton's funeral

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REUTERS

A song that became synonymous with Ricky Hatton’s career is being heard once again today.

Adapted from Walking in a Winter Wonderland, the chant 'Walking in a Hatton wonderland' rang out at every fight he ever had — from Manchester arenas to the famous nights he fought in Las Vegas.

As mourners make their way into Manchester Cathedral this morning, The Hatton Band is performing the tune, while members of the public softly join in with the lyrics.

Amir Khan has also been spotted arriving.

Tony Bellew reveals he was 'in awe' of Ricky Hatton as touching tribute paid

Tony Bellew paid tribute to Ricky Hatton as he arrived at the former boxer’s funeral this morning at Manchester Cathedral.

He recalled being “in awe” the first time he watched Hatton train.

“I’ve watched thousands of fighters train over the years — hundreds of thousands,” he said. “And after watching him, I was in awe. He set the standard in everything he did. He worked tremendously hard and was one of the best people I ever had the privilege to meet.”

Bellew added: “There are thousands who’ve turned out today, not hundreds — and that speaks volumes.”

Tyson Fury arrives at Manchester Cathedral for funeral of Ricky Hatton

Tyson Fury

Tyson Fury has arrived for the funeral of Ricky Hatton

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REUTERS

Former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury has arrived at Manchester Cathedral for Ricky Hatton’s funeral.

“The Gypsy King” was among the first to pay tribute following Hatton’s death last month, writing on Instagram: “RIP to the legend Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this — so young.”

Also in attendance are former boxers Scott Welch and Tony Bellew, along with current heavyweight contender Frazer Clarke.

Five facts about Ricky Hatton

Here are five facts about Ricky Hatton.

1) Hatton held world titles at both light-welterweight (140 lbs) and welterweight (147 lbs), including the IBF, WBA, and IBO belts.

2) Born in Stockport, Greater Manchester, on October 6, 1978, Hatton became a massive hometown favourite. His fans were known for their football-style chants and incredible travelling support.

3) His biggest wins include his 2005 upset victory over Kostya Tszyu, which made him a world champion. He also fought legends Floyd Mayweather Jr. (2007) and Manny Pacquiao (2009).

4) Hatton ran his own pub called “The Punch Bowl” in his hometown of Hyde. It became a bit of a local landmark for fans wanting to meet him or see his memorabilia.

5) After retiring, Hatton became a boxing trainer and promoter, mentoring fighters like Zhanat Zhakiyanov and Campbell Hatton (his son). He also ventured into showbiz, appearing on Dancing on Ice and making a cameo in British gangster film Blindsided (2018).

Manchester City post message with Ricky Hatton procession set to pass Etihad later today

Last month, after Hatton's death, Manchester City paid tribute to the boxing legend.

Fans of both City and Manchester United came together on a poignant day at the Etihad.

Now, City have said on social media: "Today, our city will come together to mark the life of beloved boxing legend and City fan Ricky Hatton with a funeral service at Manchester Cathedral."

After the private ceremony at Manchester Cathedral at noon, the procession will head to the Etihad Stadium.

Hatton previously beat Juan Mazcano there in 2008.

Doves released outside the pub formerly owned by Ricky Hatton's parents

Doves

Doves have been released into the sky in tribute to Ricky Hatton

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GBNEWS

Hatton’s funeral cortege has passed the site of the pub once owned by his parents, where he used to train in the basement — then known as The New Inn.

Hundreds of people lined the streets, applauding as the cortege passed and doves were released into the Manchester sky.

Mourners wearing blue flowers outside Cheshire Cheese pub 

Ricky Hatton

Mourners spotted outside the Cheshire Cheese pub

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REUTERS

Mourners have taken to the streets outside the Cheshire Cheese pub, which was a favourite of Hatton's.

People dressed appropriately in black with blue flowers pinned - a nod to the 46-year-old's love of Manchester City.

Ricky Hatton mural shown off in Hattersley

A mural of Ricky Hatton has been unveiled this morning at Harehill Tavern, in Hattersley.

That was where the boxer grew up, with crowd applauding as the artwork was revealed.

Reliant Regal spotted as Ricky Hatton funeral procession begins

Ricky Hatton funeral

Thousands have taken to the streets to pay tribute to boxing icon Ricky Hatton

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GBNEWS

As anticipated, thousands have gathered across Greater Manchester to pay their respects as Ricky Hatton’s funeral cortege passes through the city.

The procession includes a Reliant Regal — the iconic yellow three-wheeler made famous by the TV series Only Fools and Horses.

A passionate collector of showbusiness and sporting memorabilia, Hatton was well known for owning a Reliant Regal from the beloved show.

Fans pay tribute at Ricky Hatton's gym ahead of funeral

Flowers, cards, scarves, and boxing gloves are among the many tributes adorning the gates outside the gym Ricky Hatton founded in Hyde.

Since his passing on 14 September, the gym has become a place of remembrance where fans, friends, and family have gathered to hold vigils and pay their respects. Last month, hundreds attended a minute’s silence and balloon release in his honour outside the gym.

Hatton’s funeral procession will pass the gym this morning on its way to Manchester Cathedral.

Hyde Town Hall fly flag at half-mast in Ricky Hatton tribute

The flag at Hyde Town Hall was lowered to half-mast this morning in honour of Ricky Hatton.

Tameside Council stated: “We stand with our local community in mourning and remembering Ricky — not only for his worldwide sporting achievements, but also for the profound personal impact he had on so many lives.”

A book of condolence is available at Hyde Town Hall until tomorrow for those wishing to pay their respects. It will later be presented to Hatton’s family, along with messages left online.

Hatton’s funeral procession is scheduled to pass Hyde Town Hall later this morning on its way to Manchester Cathedral.

Ricky Hatton funeral procession details

Ricky Hatton funeral procession

The route for Ricky Hatton's funeral procession

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RickyHattonfuneral

Friday’s memorial procession will begin at 9.45am outside the Cheshire Cheese pub on Stockport Road in Hyde, a favourite local spot of Hatton’s, before moving on to the Harehill Tavern in Hattersley.

It will then stop at The New Inn on Mottram New Road — a pub once owned by the boxing legend's parents — where a dove release will take place in his memory.

From there, the cortege will make its way towards Manchester city centre, passing several landmarks that defined Hatton’s life and career.

The route will include a poignant moment outside the AO Arena, formerly known as the M.E.N. Arena, where Hatton enjoyed some of the most memorable nights of his career.

It was there, in 2005, that he stunned the boxing world by defeating Kostya Tszyu to win the IBF light-welterweight title — a victory that cemented his place among Britain’s sporting greats.

After the service at Manchester Cathedral, the procession will head towards the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City, Hatton’s lifelong club, arriving at around 1.15pm.

Fans will have a final opportunity to pay tribute outside the ground before the cortege departs for a private ceremony.

Thousands to attend Ricky Hatton's funeral

Ricky Hatton

Thousands will pay tribute to Ricky Hatton on Friday following his death aged 46

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GETTY/PA

Good morning and welcome to GB News' live coverage of Ricky Hatton's funeral.

The 46-year-old ex-world welterweight champion was tragically found dead at his home in Hyde on September 14.

Hatton's funeral procession will begin at 9:45am, with thousands set to attend to pay tribute to the boxing legend.

His funeral will be held at Manchester cathedral at noon.

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