Manchester, England, united in a profound display of affection and sorrow on Friday, October 10, 2025, to pay its final respects to Ricky Hatton, the boxing legend affectionately known as ‘The Hitman’ and ‘Manchester’s favorite son’. Thousands lined the streets for a two-hour cortege, culminating in a poignant service at Manchester Cathedral, celebrating a fighter whose humility and fighting spirit endeared him to a nation.
The streets of Manchester transformed into a sea of sky blue as the city bid its heartfelt last goodbye to one of its most cherished figures, former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton. Known for his aggressive fighting style and equally engaging personality, Hatton passed away last month at the age of 46, leaving behind a legacy that transcended the boxing ring and etched him deeply into the hearts of working-class communities across the UK and beyond.
On Friday, October 10, 2025, fans, family, and numerous sporting legends gathered to honor “The Hitman.” The funeral cortege, which began at his beloved local pub, The Cheshire Cheese in Hyde, wound its way through the city, drawing tens of thousands of mourners. They clapped, cheered, and sang his iconic anthem, “Walking in a Hatton Wonderland,” as his coffin made its solemn journey, a testament to the unparalleled connection Hatton shared with his supporters.
The ‘People’s Champion’ and Manchester’s Favorite Son
The outpouring of emotion was a clear reflection of Hatton’s status. Former world champion boxer Anthony Crolla eloquently stated, “He was Manchester’s favorite son. He gave Manchester some of its greatest nights. Not just in sport, I’m talking about in general.” This sentiment was echoed by countless fans, many of whom had followed Hatton across the Atlantic for his monumental fights in Las Vegas.
What truly set Hatton apart was his unwavering connection to his roots. Ian Ramsbottom, a fan outside the cathedral, highlighted this, saying, “He was just a local lad. It was always his dream to be the best in the world. He never moved out when he got his fame and fortune.” This authenticity made him relatable, a hero who remained one of their own despite global fame. Fans Mike Lunney and Martin Taylor, who had traveled to Vegas to support him, further emphasized his down-to-earth nature, describing him as “humble and kind,” always ready to “talk to people, buy them a drink and talked to people like he was a nobody.”
A Sporting Cavalcade of Tributes
The funeral service at Manchester Cathedral, attended by around 900 people, was a powerful gathering of boxing’s elite and local heroes. Among the former boxing world champions paying their respects were Tyson Fury, Amir Khan, Kell Brook, and Anthony Crolla. Khan spoke to the Associated Press, stating, “As a boxing fan, and as a friend of his, I think he leaves a massive legacy behind him because he was one of the biggest names in boxing from Manchester and the country as well.”
The wider world of sport and entertainment also mourned. Manchester United and England football great Wayne Rooney, along with Manchester City icons Mike Summerbee and Paul Dickov, were present. Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, a fellow Manchester City supporter who had previously carried Hatton’s championship belts into the ring, also attended. Sky Sports commentator Adam Smith delivered an emotional tribute, hailing Hatton as a “working class hero” and “the son of Manchester.”
Adding a unique touch to the procession, Hatton’s coffin, painted in the sky blue colors of his beloved Manchester City, was led by the famous yellow Reliant Regal three-wheeler van from the comedy show ‘Only Fools and Horses,’ a nod to Hatton’s well-known affection for the show and his ownership of the original vehicle.
Moving Tributes from His Children
Inside the cathedral, heartfelt tributes from Hatton’s children resonated deeply with the 900 attendees. His son, Campbell Hatton, who followed in his father’s footsteps as a boxer, delivered a particularly moving speech, describing his father as “the people’s champion.” Campbell confessed, “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 for ever.” He further elaborated on his admiration for his father, saying, “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.”
A Career That Elevated British Boxing
Ricky Hatton’s career was marked by incredible highs and an unparalleled connection with his fanbase. He won world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweight, with his greatest triumph being his IBF light-welterweight title victory against Kostya Tszyu in 2005 at the Manchester Arena. He also famously filled the Manchester City stadium for his fight against Juan Lazcano in 2008, setting a postwar British record for attendance.
His “army of fans” became legendary, traveling in their thousands to Las Vegas to witness his biggest fights against pound-for-pound greats Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Amir Khan acknowledged Hatton’s profound influence on the sport, noting, “If you think what Ricky did, he took boxing to a different level, especially in Great Britain. When he went to America that gave me the inspiration to go to America myself.” Hatton’s global appeal also brought significant attention to British boxing, inspiring a new generation of fighters and fans.
The cause of Hatton’s death has not been officially confirmed, though family and friends have openly discussed his well-documented struggles with mental health. His candidness about these challenges resonated with many, adding another layer to his persona as a fighter both inside and outside the ring. Hatton’s journey through mental health issues has been a topic of discussion in sports circles, highlighting the pressures athletes face, as reported by BBC Sport in various features on his life.
A Legacy Etched in Manchester’s Soul
Ricky Hatton’s final farewell was more than just a funeral; it was a celebration of a life lived with passion, humility, and an unbreakable bond with his city. He was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester, leading to the somber occasion that saw the city stand still. The minute’s silence held during the Manchester football derby earlier that month underscored the depth of local affection for him, a detail noted by the Associated Press.
He remained “The Hitman” to the world, but to Manchester, he was simply Ricky – a local lad who achieved global fame without ever losing his touch with the people who adored him. His last fight, a comeback bout in 2012 at the Manchester Arena, just footsteps from his funeral site, saw a sold-out crowd despite his stoppage defeat to Vyacheslav Senchenko, proving his enduring appeal. Hatton’s journey, from the local pubs of Hyde to the bright lights of Las Vegas, embodies the spirit of a true sporting icon whose impact will be felt for generations.
