Iconic boxer Ricky Hatton will be laid to rest today after the former world welterweight and light-welterweight champion was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, last month, aged 46, sending the nation into mourning.
A procession will start at Gee Cross and pass through Hyde towards Manchester Cathedral. Following a private service, the cortege will move on to the Etihad Stadium, home of Hatton's beloved Manchester City.
The Cheshire Cheese pub on Stockport Road, Hyde, will mark the beginning of the procession around 9.45am, before proceeding to Harehill Tavern. A series of stops will include The New Inn, where doves will be released, Hatton's Gym, Hyde Town Hall, Betta Bodies Gym and the AO Arena.
The Cathedral will host a private memorial service from 12pm. From there, the procession will move to the Etihad Stadium, where the boxer's son, Campbell, was moved to tears by a touching tribute before the game against Burnley.
Members of the public will be able to pay their respects as the funeral cortege makes its way to the cathedral. The service however, will be a private affair.
Good night
That brings an end to our coverage following an emotional day.
It's clear that Ricky will be remembered very fondly by people around the globe. The boxer will remain a champion 'There is only one Ricky Hatton' after all.
More fitting words
Barry McGuigan paid tribute to Ricky Hatton after following the cortege to Manchester Cathedral. McGuigan was just one of many boxing icons to say farewell to the Hitman.
After the service, the former featherweight world champion uploaded a picture of the funeral programme and paid tribute to Hatton again.
On X, he wrote: "Such a sad day today at Ricky Hatton’s funeral in Manchester Cathedral. I travelled up there with my boys to honour and pay our respects to the great man.
"There was a huge turnout but it’s hard to believe I’m talking about the great man in the past."
Hatton's manager wants answers
Paul Speak was the person who tragically founded Hatton after he passed away. And while inquest into his death has yet to be held, Speak wants 'the truth to come out'.
Speak had gone to Hatton's house to take him to the airport for a flight to Dubai.
Emotional eulogy
Adam Smith did a fantastic job.
Shed a lot of tears today but @SkyAdamSmith kicked me off with his lovely tribute https://t.co/FgOLLdw2pK
— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) October 10, 2025
The send off he deserved
Our writer Jeremy Armstrong has taken in an emotional day and offered his thoughts on a fitting send-off.
"The funeral was a fitting nod to someone who became a hero, but somehow remained humble. A normal bloke who achieved remarkable things - but stayed relatable. A light blue coffin, to recognise his obsession with football and Manchester City.
A defence of Tyson Fury's suit
American boxing promoter Lou Dibella has defended Tyson Fury's controversial suit at Ricky Hatton's funeral.
Fury wore a colourful two piece suit made up of dozens of pictures of himself.
And Dibella believes Fury's suit was a tribute to Hatton.
Dibella took to X and wrote: "For all those who are inclined to make snarky comments about Fury under the post below, he is there for Ricky. Ricky Hatton is looking down chuckling at the big Gypsy.
"If you think Ricky would have given a s*** what Tyson wore to his send off, you didn't know him. Blessings to all grieving today.
"God bless Ricky Hatton, a truly good man. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton."
Charity set up
For those no aware, Hatton's loved ones have set up a mental health charity called the Ricky Hatton Foundation, so 'no-one needs to fight alone'.
According to the website, the charity's missions include raising awareness of mental health challenges and removing the stigma around mental illness.
Paddy McGuinness' tribute
The television host had some kind words following the tributes to Hatton.
"You just need to look around at all the people here to see what he was like as a person. It has brought Manchester to a standstill. There is a lot of love and a lot of positivity knocking around."
McGuinness travelled to watch Hatton in Las Vegas when he took on Floyd Mayweather.
"It was like Manchester was picked up and dropped in Vegas for those few days," he added. "He was such a humble chat and such a lovely bloke."
Love for Ricky Hatton was clear for all to see
Our reporter Phil Cardy was in attendance as Manchester celebrated Hatton's life earlier.
He wrote: "Locals waved giant Ricky Hatton flags, tied balloons to shop fronts and railings and put up bunting - all to remember Ricky. Huge crowds gathered at every point of the route with blue flares set off outside the Harehill Tavern, the pub close to the estate where Ricky grew up.
"Then a huge roar went up as the cortege reached Hatton’s gym - where Ricky had been training the next generation of boxing stars."
The stars at Hatton's funeral
The much-loved boxer got an immense turnout today, as expected, with the former fighter receiving love and respect from across the country.
From Liam Gallagher to Wayne Rooney, familiar faces paid their respects to a legend of the city.
Ricky Hatton's coffin arriving at the Etihad
Anthony Crolla: 'He was my childhood hero'
Former boxing star Anthony Crolla said every "Manc kid wanted to be like Ricky Hatton".
He added: "He inspired a generation. Ricky was one of the lads and he was seen as the working class boy who did amazing things and took us all on an amazing journey. He was my childhood hero who happened to become a mate."
'Ricky and I will always have bond'
Boxing legend Jane Couch - who was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame alongside Ricky Hatton last year - paid tribute to her good friend.
“I’ve known Ricky over 35 years. When I was boxing and finding it tough, trying to get on shows and getting people to accept that women wanted to box, he’d always encourage me to have a champions mindset.
"I really did struggle in those days, it was like the whole country was against me because I wanted to box. If it wasn’t for Ricky, I wouldn’t have got through as well as I did.
"When nobody else was behind me, and the whole boxing world seemed to hate me, he was behind me. We’ll always have that bond, and we’ll always be in the Hall of Fame, me and him.”
Hatton's final Etihad visit
A private service is set to be held
Ricky Hatton's funeral was held just after 12pm UK time today, and fans had the chance to pay their respects as the procession headed to Manchester Cathedral ahead of the service.
The 18-mile memorial route began at 9:45am Cheshire Cheese pub on Stockport Road in Hyde before stopping off at the Harehill Tavern in Hattersley. The procession then continued at The New Inn on Mottram New Road – a pub that Hatton’s parents used to own – where a dove release took place.
The cortege paused at Hatton's Gym and passed by before it moved on to Betta Bodies Gym in Denton, where Hatton trained for his world title fights.
After that, the procession made its way to the Cathedral for the funeral - which was an invitation-only service.
The cortege then made its way to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium shortly after 1:15pm UK time. Fans once again had the chance to pay their respects. After passing through the Etihad, there will now be a private service for the legendary boxer.
Cortege arrives at Etihad Stadium
Pictures of Hatton's coffin leaving the service
Fearne Hatton: 'I will miss you more than you will ever know'
Fearne speaks of the times they enjoyed at Hollywood bowl and saving up tickets to buy a prize.
"I can't believe that you are not here anymore, and that I have only known you for 12 years. Even though I have only spent 12 years of my life, knowing the strong and inspiring person you are, I can't help but wonder why. Why have you gone so quick?
"I'm having to realise that you will be out of my life more than you have been in it. Over the 12 years, I have had 12 years. We have made so many memories.
"Going to Hollywood bowl and saving our tickets to get the biggest prize… or playing mini golf. The memories I love the most was when we were at your house watching grown ups or being in the games room when we were playing darts.
"The thing I admire most about you is how you put the people who feel unseen feel known and how you bring a smile to everyone's faces. You are known as Ricky Hatten in the Ring, by I’ve only seen you as my dad, even in the ring. I'm so proud of you words can't express.
"I will never change the way I think of you because you are now gone. I love you so much, Daddy, and I will miss you more than you will ever know. More memories won't be made but our memories I have already made you will be.
"This isn't a goodbye forever because I know I will see you one way or another. I love you so much, my one and only daddy."
Millie Hatton: 'I cherish all the memories we had'
"My heart is in a million and one pieces that you aren't here with me and everyone else who loves you dearly. I wake up every morning wishing you were here.
"You were seriously the funniest person I've ever ever come across and I'm lucky enough to call you my dad. I can't help but wonder why. Why did you feel that way?
"Why didn't you reach out about how you felt? Everyone else and I will forever wonder those questions. 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, that you won't be here to see me leave school and you won't even see me grow into an adult.
"I fear every Christmas, Easter, birthday, Tenerife holiday, and especially Father's Day, knowing that you aren't here to meet you laugh until my stomach hurts. I cherish all the memories we had, singing Oasis in the car, in particularly Forever, going to the Graves Pub with Lyla and Fearne, going to the Anchor in Tenerife, and just seeing your face in general. Although you were the greatest boxer and I am forever proud for all you have achieved in the ring, my favourite times with you were when we were just in the house singing Oasis and watching Grown Ups.
"I genuinely hope you don't ever think that you have let me down because I would never, ever think that. I love it and miss you unconditionally, Daddy."
Campbell Hatton: 'I can't explain how much I’m going to miss you'
Campbell Hatton fought back tears as he said: "Never have a father and son had so much in common. whether it be our looks, as we've been told so often, our music, the same sense of humour and personalities, our love for Man's City, going to the pub, butchering songs on the karaoke. And the shit jokes that I’d nick from you and that even though he'd never admit it, you'd nick from me. When we were together, there was an undeniable bond that we shared, which has given me some of the best memories and laughs I've ever had, and will ever have.
"They will stay with me forever. The amount of stories I could share about my dad is endless. Most of them not suitable for the cathedral.
"Anybody who spent just a small time with him will have a hilarious memory that they can take away from their time they spent with him. Always laughing, always joking, and absolutely ripping into everybody with no hesitation or filter.
"Well, that was him, and that's why we loved him. And the reason so many people are here to celebrate his life. Growing up, I looked up to my dad in every aspect of life, whether it be following him in a career in boxing like or the way he carried himself out of the ring, in all the ways we've already mentioned. all of that was fuel for the love I had and always will have for him.
"I'm so proud of my, dad, that it's hard to put into words, not just his boxing career, the one of a kind fan base and the things that made him the People's Champion. But because of how happy we all were when we were together, and like, I've already said, we the best times..
"Because of the grandad he was to Lyla. Who idolised him and he did her. I think the times he spent with Lyla and his girls, as he got older and mellowed, were among his favourites, despite him always reminding me, and laughing, that I made him a grandad at 39.
"I can't explain how much I’m going to miss you dad. I’m heartbroken we’re not going to be making any new memories. But the ones we have, I'll cherish forever.
"I'll try my best to do you for proud and now you’re at peace. I love you so much."
Carol Hatton - 'People said he was a little bruiser, and that he resembled a boxer'
Ricky Hatton's mother, Carol, gave a rather emotional service during the euology, saying: "Our son, Richard John, was born at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport, on the 6th of October, 1978. We lived in a little cottage with both our boys in a small village, Hayfield. I can remember it like it was yesterday.
"I was on the maternity ward with three other ladies who had already given birth to their daughters, their babies weighed six pounds. They assured me that child birth was fine, and it was like shelling peas. I was told that drinking the white label stouts would provide the baby with plenty of nutrients and iron to ensure that he would grow big and healthy.
"It didn't then take me by surprise when Richard was born and weighed nearly 10 pounds. He was delivered by forceps, which resulted in him having two black eyes. People said he was a little bruiser, and that he resembled a boxer. Ray was in another waiting room with the other dad's, and when they announced to Ray that his son had been safely delivered, and that he was almost 10 pounds, he strutted around like a king.
"This was because the other dads were over six foot tall and had fathered small babies. From being a small boy, Richard loved the camera. Ray went everywhere with a camcorder over his shoulders, videoing both Richard and Matthew.
"And it was always Richard saying to Ray ‘dad get me on video’. Poor Ray, the camcorder was huge. As his mom, I felt his first kick and carried him safely for nine months.
"Ray and I held his hand until he decided it was too embarrassing to be doing this. I told Richard many years ago, "Son you're living the life of an express train, and his reply was simply, "mum if I was to die tomorrow, I have lived my life already with no regrets." The Hitman was adored by his army of fans, the People's Champion, and he would say that's how he wanted to be remembered.
"Long before this accolade, he was our little champ from the day he was born. Hopefully, our son has now found eternal peace. That would be our last wish.
"Rest Easy, son. loved and remembered forever, mum and dad."
Coffin now leaving Manchester Cathedral
Reverend Canon Grace Thomas is now addressing the congregation
“Richard, Ricky, the hitman, Richard John Hatton MBE, the people’s champion, was loved and is loved, and that love is everlasting,” she says.
Adam Smith - "I will forever love him"
Boxing commentator Adam Smith was visibly emotional as he gave a euology during the service. Smith joked Hatton was “once upon a time not good enough to play for his beloved Man City” before adding that he was “an absolutely shocking carpet fitter."
Smith said Hatton was “fantastic fighter” and his “popularity eclipsed everything." He added: "I will forever love him, his fights, his friendship, his fun, his adoration of life. What a ride it was. There is, there was and only ever will be one Ricky Hatton.”
"I’m going to miss you dad"
"I can’t explain how much I’m going to miss you dad. I can’t believe we’re not going to make any new memories together. But the ones I have I will treasure forever.”
Ricky's children pay tribute
Ricky Hatton’s daughters Millie and Fearne and son Campbell have given tearful tributes at Manchester cathedral as they shared treasured memories of their dad.
They told how they will miss singing Oasis with him, watching TV and sharing sh*t jokes. Millie, 13, said: “why did you feel that way? Why didn’t you reach out about the way you felt.”
Campbell, 24, said he was “heartbroken” that he and his dad can no longer make new memories together.
Hatton's loved ones visibly emotional
Liam Gallagher among mourners
Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, who walked Hatton into the ring for one of his biggest fights, is among those at the funeral.
Ricky's pal pays tribute
A pal of Ricky Hatton who knew the boxing legend has said they ‘don’t make celebrities like him anymore’.
Lee Hampson, 41, said he had grown up in the same area as the 46-year-old and had known him for more than 20 years.
Lee told the Mirror: “he’s from the same area at me and we grew up idolising him. I knew him from training in the same gym and having mutual friends. “they don’t make celebrities like him anymore. Celebs don’t do anything for free they don’t stop and talk to people but Ricky was the ultimate people’s person.
"The lads and ladies who were from the same area as him, we were just so proud of him. He went to the highest heights of his career, he fought in Vegas, he earned millions and he still stayed the humble Manchester lad that we all loved. It just didn’t change him and I think that’s why there will be so many people lining the streets.
“His dream wasn’t to get out of Manchester his dream was to become the best fighter in the world and that’s what he did. I was training in the gym when my mum messaged me and told me he had died. I didn’t believe it, I knew he had his struggles but he had seemed in a good place.
“The way he spoke about his struggles with mental health was so brave, he undoubtedly saved lives. Boxing just isn’t the same now, nowadays the first few rounds are boring but Ricky was straight into them. He was the Hattersley Scrapper.”
Ricky's mum and dad arrive
Applause breaks out as Ricky Hatton's coffing is carried into the cathedral. His iconic walk-on song 'Blue Moon' plays in the background. His family and friends were visibly emotional as the procession made its way into the cathedral.