Tyson Fury paid a striking tribute to his late friend Ricky Hatton as he attended the boxing legend’s funeral in Manchester wearing a custom-made suit covered with images of himself.
The heavyweight champion joined thousands of fans and figures from the sporting world lining the streets to honour Hatton, who died aged 46 on September 14.
The funeral procession began at the Cheshire Cheese pub in Hyde, one of Hatton’s old local haunts, before making its way to Manchester Cathedral, where a private service for family, friends and close associates was held.
The route, which passed by landmarks associated with Hatton’s career, drew crowds of mourners eager to pay their final respects to one of Britain’s most beloved fighters.
Fury was among the many familiar faces in attendance, turning heads with his bold outfit choice.
His navy suit featured artwork depicting key moments from his own career — including an image of him sitting on a throne wearing a crown, a nod to his dramatic ring entrances, and another showing him alongside his wife, Paris.
The design appeared to celebrate his own journey in boxing while paying homage to the flamboyant spirit he shared with Hatton.
JUST IN: ITV make Keir Starmer blunder during England win over Wales with no apology issued
Tyson Fury paid a striking tribute to his late friend Ricky Hatton as he attended the boxing legend’s funeral in Manchester wearing a custom-made suit covered with images of himself
|REUTERS
Fans on X weren't too impressed, however. One user wrote: "What an egotistical thing to wear to a funeral..."
A second opined: "Why not just wear all black? just think there’s a time & place for the pantomime style of clothing."
And a third stated: "Main character syndrome."
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Tyson Fury's suit has divided opinion online
|REUTERS
Others, however, defended his choice of attire.
"Let’s assume he and Ricky had an inside joke about the suit and he’s wearing it out of respect. Instead of jumping to conclusions for likes," stated a fan.
A second said: "The fact he is paying his respects and is there, should be all that counts. I bet Ricky would have loved his suit."
Earlier in the day, Fury posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, reflecting on Hatton’s influence on his life and career.
“Today’s the day of Ricky Hatton’s funeral, and I’m not going to be alone when I say this: Ricky inspired me as a young boy to go on and do great things in boxing,” he said.
“I wanted to be just like him — the ring walks, the flashy shorts, the fans, the chanting.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Ricky Hatton has been remembered at his funeral at Manchester Cathedral
|GBNEWS
“When I was a little kid, he was fighting for his world title in Manchester against Kostya Tszyu and I was there, along with a load of other young kids who were inspired.
“Without Ricky Hatton, Manchester wouldn’t have had, the northwest wouldn’t have had, the UK wouldn’t have had so many world champions inspired by Richard ‘The Hitman’ Hatton. Rest in peace, Rick.”
Fury and Hatton shared a close friendship, forged through mutual respect and a shared battle with mental health struggles.
Like Hatton, Fury faced depression and addiction during his career, stepping away from boxing in 2016 before mounting an extraordinary comeback two years later.
Having ballooned to 27 stone during his time away from the sport, he turned to Hatton for guidance, training at the Hitman’s gym in Hyde to rebuild his fitness and rediscover his form.
The partnership helped propel Fury back to the top, culminating in his world title triumph in 2020.