Manchester stood still on Friday as thousands gathered to honor the life and legacy of Ricky Hatton, the city’s beloved two-weight world boxing champion, whose funeral procession and memorial service became a poignant celebration of a sporting icon and local hero. Hatton, who was found dead at his home in Hyde on September 14, 2025, at the age of 46, left behind a legacy that transcended the ring, resonating with fans, fellow athletes, and the wider community alike.
The day began at 9:45 a.m., with the cortege departing from the Cheshire Cheese Pub—Hatton’s local haunt and a fitting place to start the journey. The procession wound its way through the heart of Manchester, pausing at key landmarks from Hatton’s storied career: his own boxing gym, the AO Arena—site of some of his greatest triumphs—and finally arriving at the Etihad Stadium, home of his beloved Manchester City. Each stop drew crowds of mourners, many of whom braved the autumn chill to pay their respects and reflect on the impact Hatton had on their lives.
Manchester Cathedral, the venue for the private memorial service at midday, was filled with a who’s who of British sport and entertainment. Among the star-studded attendees were heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, former England football captain Wayne Rooney, Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, darts legend Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, and a host of former boxing champions including Amir Khan, Frank Bruno, Tony Bellew, Derek Chisora, and Frazer Clarke. The presence of so many luminaries underscored Hatton’s influence—not just as a boxer but as a cherished friend and inspiration.
Tyson Fury’s arrival caused quite a stir. The 6ft 9in ‘Gypsy King’ strode into the cathedral wearing a colorful suit emblazoned with images of himself—a nod to a similar suit he wore in 2020, which Hatton had famously mocked in good humor. Clutching a McDonald’s coffee, Fury’s sartorial choice sparked some backlash online, but boxing promoter Lou DiBella was quick to defend him, posting on X: “For all those who are inclined to make snarky comments about Fury under the post below, he is there for Ricky. Ricky Hatton is looking down chuckling at the big Gypsy. If you think Ricky would have given a s*** what Tyson wore to his send off, you didn’t know him. Blessings to all grieving today. God bless Ricky Hatton, a truly good man. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton.”
Fury himself paid a heartfelt tribute before the service, sharing a video online: “Today is the day of Ricky Hatton’s funeral. And I’m not going to be alone here when I say this, but Ricky inspired me as a young boy to go on and do great things in boxing. I wanted to be just like him: the ring walks, the flashy shorts, the fans, the chanting. When I was a little kid, he was fighting for his world title in Manchester and I was there, along with a lot of kids, to watch a world title fight by Ricky. So without Ricky Hatton, Manchester wouldn’t have had, the north west wouldn’t have had, the UK wouldn’t have had so many boxing world champions inspired by the great Hitman Hatton. Rest in peace, Rick. See you soon, buddy.”
The emotional core of the service came from Hatton’s family. His son Campbell, who has followed his father into the ring, delivered a moving tribute: “I can’t explain how much I’m going to miss you, dad, and that we won’t be making any new memories—but the ones we did I will cherish forever. Growing up I looked up to my dad in every aspect of life whether it be following in a career in boxing like he did or the way he carried himself out of the ring. But all of that was fuelled by the love I had and always will have for him. I am so proud of my dad that it’s hard to put into words. Not just his boxing career, the one-of-a-kind fanbase and the things that made him the People’s Champion but because of how happy we all were when we were all together.”
Hatton’s daughters, Fearne and Millie, also shared cherished memories. Fearne, aged 12, recalled, “The memories I have loved the most was when we were at your house watching Grown Ups or being in the games room playing darts.” Millie, 13, added, “Although you were the greatest boxer and I am forever proud of all you achieved in the ring, my favourite times with you were when we were just in the house singing Oasis and watching Grown Ups. I miss you unconditionally, daddy.”
Outside the cathedral, hundreds gathered to listen to the service, which was broadcast to the crowds. As the cortege arrived, a brass band played ‘Winter Wonderland,’ and the familiar chant of ‘There’s Only One Ricky Hatton’ rang out, echoing the support that had accompanied Hatton throughout his career. Several shouts of ‘go on Ricky’ punctuated the air, and applause broke out as the hearse passed by, marking the affection and respect felt across the city.
Hatton’s yellow Reliant Robin van, a nod to his love of the classic TV comedy Only Fools and Horses, formed a whimsical part of the procession, drawing smiles even on such a somber day. The van, adorned with a mock-up of Hatton as Del Boy, symbolized the boxer’s sense of humor and connection to the everyday Mancunian.
The sense of loss was palpable, but so too was the celebration of Hatton’s achievements. With a professional record of 45 wins and just 3 defeats from 48 fights, Hatton’s crowning moment came 20 years ago with his unforgettable victory over Kostya Tszyu at the AO Arena, capturing his first world title. His all-action style and relentless pressure endeared him to fans, while his humility and down-to-earth nature made him a true people’s champion. Stories abound of the tens of thousands who followed him to Las Vegas, singing and celebrating, as he took on the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao—the pound-for-pound greats of his era.
Though defeats to Mayweather in 2007 and Pacquiao in 2009 marked the beginning of his exit from the elite level, Hatton never lost the support of his fans. His attempted comeback in 2012 and later exhibition against Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022 were met with both excitement and concern, as Hatton openly struggled with retirement and mental health. He became an ambassador for mental health charities and Manchester-based Barnabus, supporting the homeless and vulnerable, always seeking to give back to the community that had lifted him up.
In July 2025, Hatton announced a planned return to professional boxing in Dubai that December, and according to his family, he had been “in a good place” and “excited for the future” before his untimely passing. Greater Manchester Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
As the sun set over Manchester, the city bid farewell to one of its favorite sons. Ricky Hatton’s legacy—inside and outside the ring—lives on in the memories, the chants, and the countless lives he touched. There truly was, and always will be, only one Ricky Hatton.
