Sports and Music Figures Bid Farewell to Ricky Hatton
The world of sports and entertainment came together to bid farewell to Ricky Hatton, the former two-weight boxing world champion. The funeral ceremony, held at Manchester Cathedral, was attended by prominent figures who paid tribute to the boxing legend.
Among the attendees, figures such as Liam Gallagher, leader of the band Oasis and a close friend of Hatton, Tyson Fury, renowned boxer, and Wayne Rooney, former Manchester United star, stood out.
The funeral procession, which began at the Cheshire Cheese pub, a place frequented by Hatton, was led by the famous Reliant Robin from the series “Only Fools and Horses”, a nod to the boxer’s fondness for the series.The procession included stops at Hatton’s boxing gym and the AO Arena, the scene of some of his greatest triumphs, including his victory over Kostya Tszyu, which earned him his first world title.
Thousands of people gathered in the streets to say goodbye to Hatton, while a private memorial service was held in the cathedral.
In addition to Gallagher, the ceremony was attended by other important figures in British boxing, including Tony Bellew and Frank Bruno, as well as former England cricket captain Andrew Flintoff.After the service, the procession headed to the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City, a team of which Hatton was a fervent supporter.
The news of Hatton’s death was announced hours before the Manchester derby, and a minute of applause was held in his honor before the start of the match.
Hatton, known for his aggressive fighting style, achieved 45 victories and suffered three defeats in 48 fights. His approachable and charismatic personality made him an idol for fans around the world.
His popularity took him to Las Vegas, where he faced Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, two of the best boxers of his time. British fans chanted “There’s only one Ricky Hatton”, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Hatton suffered his first professional defeat against Mayweather in 2007, and a knockout against Pacquiao in 2009 marked the beginning of his decline in elite boxing.
In 2012, a failed comeback attempt against Vyacheslav Senchenko revealed Hatton’s difficulties in adapting to life outside the ring.
Hatton was also an advocate for mental health causes and for the Barnabus charity, which supports homeless and vulnerable people. After his retirement, he dedicated himself to training, seeking to fill the void left by boxing.
After participating in a non-scored exhibition against Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022, Hatton announced in July his return to the ring in a professional fight in Dubai in December. His family reported that he was “in a good moment” and “excited for the future” before his death, about which Greater Manchester Police found no suspicious circumstances.
