Manchester came to a poignant standstill on October 10, 2025, as thousands gathered to bid farewell to one of its most cherished sons, Ricky Hatton. The city’s heart beat as one, united in grief and admiration for the two-division world boxing champion whose legacy transcended the sport. The funeral, held at Manchester Cathedral, drew an extraordinary crowd of fans, friends, and celebrities, all eager to pay their last respects to a man who embodied the spirit of the city and the pride of British boxing.
Hatton, affectionately known as "The Hitman," was found dead at his home on September 14, 2025, at just 46 years old. His sudden passing sent shockwaves through the sporting world and left a void in the hearts of countless supporters. The outpouring of love and respect was evident as the funeral procession made its way from The Cheshire Cheese pub—Hatton’s local haunt—through Manchester’s streets, eventually arriving at the cathedral. The two-hour journey was marked by chants of "There’s only one Ricky Hatton!" and a sea of Manchester City flags, a nod to his unwavering devotion to the Premier League club.
The coffin, painted sky blue with "Blue Moon" etched on the side, was a touching tribute to both Hatton’s walk-out anthem and his beloved football club. Fans had gathered outside Manchester Cathedral hours before the service, many donning City colors and sharing stories of Hatton’s greatest nights. The city, for a moment, paused its daily hustle to honor a true people’s champion.
The guest list read like a who’s who of British sport and entertainment. Among the mourners were former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, former football star Wayne Rooney, Manchester City icons Mike Summerbee and Paul Dickov, and boxing greats like Amir Khan, Barry McGuigan, and Kell Brook. Fury, ever the showman, wore a suit emblazoned with his own face in tribute to Hatton, while Khan, who flew in from Dubai, described the loss as a "tough time for us all, losing a legend in the sport of boxing." Khan added to the BBC, "Massive legacy, he was a fighter that we all looked up to."
Inside the cathedral, nearly 900 people filled the pews for a deeply moving service. Veteran boxing broadcaster Adam Smith, voice trembling with emotion, delivered a heartfelt eulogy: "I will forever love him, his fights, his friendship, his fun, his adoration of life. We all will. What a ride it was. There is and only ever will be one Ricky Hatton." Smith’s words echoed the sentiment of the entire city—Hatton was more than a boxer; he was a working-class hero, a son of Manchester, and a beacon of hope for many.
But it was the tributes from Hatton’s own children that brought the congregation to tears. Campbell, 24, who had recently retired from boxing himself, spoke with raw honesty about his father’s influence: "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."
Hatton’s daughter Fearne, just 12, shared her favorite memories: "Over the 12 years I have had with you, we have made so many memories. 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." Yet it was 13-year-old Millie’s eulogy that struck the deepest chord, as she bravely addressed her father’s well-documented mental health struggles. "Why did you feel that way? Why didn't you reach out about how you felt? I can't help but think about how you will never walk me down the aisle, how you will never meet my children and your grandchildren, how you won't be here to see me leave school or even see me grow into an adult. I genuinely hope you don't ever think you have let me down, because I would never think that. I love and miss you unconditionally."
Hatton’s openness about his battles with depression and mental health had made him a relatable figure to many, and his family’s candid tributes underscored the importance of these conversations. No official cause of death has been confirmed, but his legacy as a fighter—both in and out of the ring—remains undiminished.
The service was not without its moments of drama. As mourners arrived, security checks at the cathedral’s entrance led to a brief, widely discussed incident when former Coronation Street actor Steven Arnold appeared to be turned away at the door. The moment, captured live by Sky News, sparked a flurry of speculation on social media. While it remains unclear whether Arnold was ultimately denied entry or if it was a simple misunderstanding, the episode highlighted the tightly managed nature of the high-profile event.
Following the cathedral service, the cortege made a poignant stop at the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City, in a final tribute to Hatton’s lifelong devotion. For many, this was the most fitting farewell for a man who had brought the city together in celebration and in sorrow alike.
Hatton’s career is the stuff of legend. Over a 15-year span, he captured the WBA, IBO, and IBF light-welterweight titles, as well as the WBA welterweight world championship. He fought—and often triumphed—on some of boxing’s grandest stages, including unforgettable nights in Manchester and Las Vegas. His 2005 victory over Kostya Tszyu at the Manchester Arena and his epic battles against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in the U.S. are etched in British sporting history. Even after retiring in 2012, Hatton’s influence continued, with plans for a comeback event in Dubai in 2025 tragically left unfulfilled.
Outside the ring, Hatton’s humility and loyalty to his roots endeared him to fans. "He was just a local lad," said Ian Ramsbottom, a fan waiting outside the cathedral. "It was always his dream to be the best in the world. He never moved out when he got his fame and fortune." Adam Smith, in his tribute, called Hatton a "people’s champion"—a sentiment echoed by all who knew him.
As the city of Manchester bid its final farewell, the legacy of Ricky Hatton stood brighter than ever. He was, and always will be, Manchester’s favorite son—a champion whose courage, kindness, and fighting spirit will inspire generations to come.
