Manchester stood still on Friday, October 10, 2025, as thousands of fans, sports stars, and celebrities gathered to pay their respects to Ricky Hatton, the beloved boxing champion whose legacy transcended the ring. The city’s streets, usually bustling with everyday life, were transformed into a sea of mourners and well-wishers, all united in honoring ‘The Hitman’—a local hero whose impact was felt far beyond his hometown.
The funeral service, held at the historic Manchester Cathedral, drew a remarkable crowd. Among the attendees were some of the biggest names in British sport and entertainment: former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, football legend Wayne Rooney, Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, and a host of other notable figures. The atmosphere was both somber and celebratory, a fitting tribute to a man whose career was defined by passion, resilience, and a deep connection with his fans.
Hatton, who was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14 at the age of 46, left behind a legacy that few boxers can match. His untimely passing shocked the sporting world, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the globe. On this day, however, the focus was on celebrating his life and the indelible mark he left on boxing and the city he loved.
The procession began with a nod to Hatton’s well-known sense of humor and love for British culture. Leading the cortege was a yellow Reliant Regal three-wheeler—the same model made famous on the television show Only Fools And Horses, and one that Hatton himself famously drove. As the procession wound through Manchester’s streets, it passed the site of The New Inn pub, once owned by Hatton’s parents, Ray and Carol. It was in the basement of this very pub that a young Ricky honed his fighting skills, setting the stage for a storied career. As the cortege paused, doves were released into the sky, symbolizing peace and remembrance.
Outside the cathedral, a brass band played the familiar tune of ‘Winter Wonderland,’ a song forever linked to the chant ‘There’s Only One Ricky Hatton’ that echoed through stadiums during his greatest nights. The music, the crowds, and the city’s skyline created an unforgettable backdrop for a farewell that felt both intimate and grand.
Inside Manchester Cathedral, the atmosphere was heavy with emotion. Hatton’s three children—Campbell, Fearne, and Millie—each took turns paying tribute to their father. Campbell, who has followed in his father’s footsteps as a boxer, delivered heartfelt words: “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.” The sincerity of his grief resonated with all in attendance, many of whom had watched Campbell grow up in the shadow of his father’s fame.
Hatton’s mother, Carol, was unable to speak herself but had her words read aloud to the congregation: she described Ricky as “our little champion from the day he was born.” The phrase captured the sentiment of the day—a recognition that, though Hatton’s professional achievements were remarkable, it was his warmth, humor, and humility that truly endeared him to those closest to him.
The guest list read like a who’s who of British sport and culture. Tyson Fury, who attended with his brother Tommy, shared his admiration for Hatton in a video posted before the service, saying, “I wanted to be just like him. The ring walks, the flashy shorts, the fans, the chanting. Without Ricky Hatton, Manchester wouldn’t have had—the northwest wouldn’t have had, the UK wouldn’t have had—so many boxing world champions.” Fury’s words echoed those of countless young fighters who saw Hatton as both a role model and a trailblazer.
Other attendees included former British boxing champions Frank Bruno, Nigel Benn, and his son Conor Benn; former England cricketer Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff; Manchester United and England footballer Wayne Rooney, accompanied by his wife Coleen; reality TV personality Calum Best; comedian Paddy McGuinness; actors Dean Gaffney and Chris Kamara; and musicians Shaun Ryder and Mark ‘Bez’ Berry of Happy Mondays. Even Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, was present, underscoring the civic pride Hatton inspired.
After the service, the funeral procession continued to the Etihad Stadium, home of Hatton’s beloved Manchester City Football Club. As the cortege arrived, crowds broke into applause and song, a spontaneous show of affection that spoke volumes about Hatton’s place in the city’s heart. The journey also took mourners past the AO Arena, where Hatton secured his legendary victory over Kostya Tszyu in 2005—a fight that cemented his status as one of Britain’s greatest boxers.
Throughout the day, the sense of loss was palpable, but so too was the gratitude for a life lived with courage and generosity. Former boxer Tony Bellew, speaking to Sky News outside the cathedral, summed up the mood: “I’ve watched thousands of fighters train over the years, hundreds of thousands. And after watching him... I was in awe of him. He was the standard—everything he did. There are thousands that have turned out today, not hundreds. That speaks volumes.”
Hatton’s death came just months after he had announced plans to return to the ring in December for his first professional fight in 13 years. The news of his comeback had excited fans and reignited memories of his glory days, making his sudden passing all the more poignant. While no official cause of death has been released, police have confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.
The tributes extended far beyond Manchester, with boxing organizations, former rivals, and fans from around the world sharing memories and condolences. Yet, for those who gathered on this autumn day, the farewell was deeply personal—a chance to honor a fighter who never forgot his roots, who brought joy to so many, and who faced life’s challenges with the same grit he showed in the ring.
As the sun set over Manchester, the city bid farewell to its champion. Ricky Hatton may be gone, but the echoes of his achievements—both inside and outside the ring—will linger for generations to come. His legacy, built on hard work, loyalty, and a love for his community, ensures that there truly was, and always will be, only one Ricky Hatton.
