Boxing Legends Honor Ricky Hatton at Funeral: Emotional Farewell in Manchester

Boxing Legends Pay Tribute to Ricky Hatton

In a moving ceremony held in Manchester on Friday, iconic figures from the world of boxing came together to honor the memory of Ricky Hatton, known as the “people’s champion”. Sports stars and celebrities gathered to remember a local hero who, despite achieving fame and fortune, always remained grounded.

He was a fantastic fighter, one of the best. He inspired many boxers like us.

Amir Khan

Amir Khan, former two-weight world champion, highlighted Hatton’s influence: Khan added: “He will be remembered as one of the greatest of Great Britain. He was very cheerful, very funny, a very respected and very kind person. He was always the champion of the people.”

Also among those present were Tyson Fury and Frank Bruno, former world heavyweight champions, and Barry McGuigan, former world featherweight champion. McGuigan highlighted Hatton’s leadership, from his beginnings as a promising amateur to becoming a world champion, taking thousands of fans to Las Vegas for epic battles against figures like Floyd Mayweather and José Luis Castillo. Regarding the large influx of fans, many dressed in the light blue of Manchester City, a team loved by Hatton, McGuigan commented:

It’s amazing, but it doesn’t surprise me because he was a star, an incredible human being.

Barry McGuigan

Tony Bellew, former cruiserweight world champion, revealed how Hatton inspired him to climb the rankings and achieve his dream. Bellew stated: “For someone who reached the levels of Ricky Hatton and remained a normal person, it’s incredible.” Bellew recalled his first experience watching Hatton train.

Bellew added: “I’ve seen thousands of boxers train over the years, hundreds of thousands, but after seeing him, he’s the only boxer who has impressed me and I’ve thought: ‘That’s the standard.’ An incredible person, an incredible father, always with a smile. He used to be the worst dressed, but he always found a way to make you laugh.”