Manchester stood still on Friday, October 10, 2025, as thousands of fans, friends, and sporting legends gathered to say a final farewell to Ricky Hatton, one of Britain’s most beloved boxers and personalities. The two-time world champion, known as ‘The Hitman,’ was found dead at his home in Hyde on September 14 at the age of 46, sending shockwaves through the boxing world and beyond. Friday’s funeral procession and service at Manchester Cathedral became a citywide tribute, a testament to Hatton’s immense impact both inside and outside the ring.
The morning began in true Hatton style. The cortege set off from the Cheshire Cheese pub, Hatton’s local haunt, led by a yellow Reliant Robin—the quirky three-wheeler made famous by Only Fools and Horses, a nod to Hatton’s sense of humor and love for the show. Fans lined the streets, many clad in Manchester City shirts, waving flags, and releasing blue flares. The hearse paused outside Hatton’s Gym in Hyde, where regulars at the Shepherds Call raised their glasses as the procession passed, and the gym itself closed its doors for the day in his honor.
As the procession wound its way through Manchester, the outpouring of affection was unmistakable. Mourners placed flowers and tributes on the low-loader transporting the Reliant Robin, and balloons drifted skyward. Some, like Rob Knowles, took the day off work just to pay their respects, saying, “I didn’t know him but sometimes people have an impact on your life. I grew up watching his fights and I think it meant more because he lived just down the road and there was always a chance of seeing him in the street. Everyone wanted to be a boxer and be Ricky Hatton. It’s a sad day but a great turnout for a great champion.”
Hatton’s coffin, painted blue with “Blue Moon” etched on the side—a tribute to his beloved Manchester City and his iconic walkout song—was carried into Manchester Cathedral by his brother Matthew and son Campbell. A band played as the city’s great and good filed in for a private service. The guest list read like a who’s who of British sport and culture: boxing giants Tyson Fury, Frank Bruno, Tony Bellew, Nigel Benn, and Amir Khan; football legends Wayne Rooney and Mike Summerbee; cricket star Andrew Flintoff; Oasis frontman and close friend Liam Gallagher; and fellow Mancunian icons Shaun Ryder and Bez from Happy Mondays. Even the city’s mayor, Andy Burnham, was in attendance, reflecting on Hatton’s status as a true working-class hero: “He’s of this place, he’s of these parts, that is why people love him. He made Manchester proud on the world stage.”
The service itself was a moving celebration of a life lived with passion and resilience. Hatton’s former trainer, Billy Graham, was present to remember the journey they shared from the amateur ranks to the pinnacle of world boxing. The memories of Hatton’s legendary night in June 2005—when he defeated Kostya Tszyu for the IBF light-welterweight world title—were never far from anyone’s mind. That night, as one attendee recalled, “it felt as if Ricky Hatton were immortal. It felt as if he could survive anything. It was the kind of night when sport grabs you and holds you spellbound in your seat for more than an hour.”
Hatton’s professional record—45 wins and only 3 defeats from 48 contests—only tells part of the story. His all-action style and relentless spirit endeared him to fans everywhere, with tens of thousands traveling to Las Vegas to watch him take on the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Stories abound of UK supporters singing “there’s only one Ricky Hatton” and painting Sin City sky blue, a testament to his magnetic appeal. Yet Hatton was more than just a fighter; he was a tireless ambassador for mental health charities and Manchester’s homeless, turning personal struggles into a mission to help others.
Tributes poured in from all corners. Frank Bruno reflected, “There will never be another Ricky or anyone like him, and at this time I share the shock and upset of losing what I consider to be a great fighter, a friend, and an amazing human being.” Fans, too, shared their grief. “Ricky was a local hero gone way too early. Rest in peace, Rick,” wrote Chris from Manchester. Rita Ellis, a 60-year-old mourner, summed up the city’s sentiment: “He was just a decent bloke. There weren’t any airs and graces about him, and had time for everyone. He deserves this turnout today. He was one of us!”
Following the service, the commemorative march continued to the Etihad Stadium, home to Manchester City and a place close to Hatton’s heart. He was a regular at matches, proudly occupying his box and donning sky blue shorts for his ring walks. In 2008, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by fighting at the Etihad, entering the ring to the strains of “Blue Moon.” A wake was held at the stadium, where family, friends, and fans shared memories and celebrated a life that brought so much joy to so many.
Hatton’s passing was marked by gestures across Manchester. On the day his death was announced, a minute’s applause echoed through Eastlands before the Manchester derby, with both City and United players wearing black armbands. City fans later unveiled a banner before their clash with Burnley, declaring Hatton “The People’s Champion.” Even now, a mural is being painted on the Hattersley Estate, immortalizing the local lad who reached for the stars and never forgot where he came from.
In the weeks before his death, Hatton was reportedly “in a good place” and excited for a planned comeback in Dubai this December. Greater Manchester Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances. His family, fans, and the city he loved are left with memories of a champion who gave everything in and out of the ring.
As Manchester bids farewell, the legacy of Ricky Hatton—fighter, friend, and folk hero—lives on in the hearts of all who knew him, watched him, and sang for him. There’s only one Ricky Hatton, and the city he called home will never forget.
