Ricky Hatton will be laid to rest on Friday, with a large number of fans expected to line the streets of Manchester to pay their respects to the former two-weight world champion
Boxing icon Ricky Hatton will be given a final farewell today.
The tragic news of Hatton’s death at his Hyde home in Greater Manchester last month, aged just 46, sent shockwaves through the boxing community and left his legion of loyal fans heartbroken.
A large crowd of these fans is expected to assemble to pay tribute during his funeral procession. The route will start in Gee Cross, pass through Hyde towards Manchester Cathedral, and conclude at the Etihad Stadium, the hallowed ground of Hatton’s favourite football club, Manchester City.
The procession, set to begin in the morning, will pass landmarks associated with the former welterweight world champion, including the Cheshire Cheese pub on Stockport Road, Harehill Tavern, The New Inn, Hatton’s Gym, Hyde Town Hall, Betta Bodies Gym and the AO Arena. A private memorial service will take place at the cathedral from midday.
Following Hatton’s untimely passing, his family shared that he had been in good spirits in the weeks prior, a sentiment echoed by his social media posts. The heartbreaking news came just three months before his anticipated professional boxing return in Dubai, reports Leeds Live.
His last Instagram post saw him preparing for his upcoming bout, slated for December 2 over eight rounds, against Eisa Al Dah. In the video, the Stockport-born pugilist, who would have celebrated his 47th birthday on October 6, was seen energetically walking on a treadmill while enjoying Ed Sheeran’s track ‘Sapphire’.
He could be heard declaring: “Another 5k… good sweat on,” whilst breathing heavily. The pugilist then swivelled the camera towards his own face, looking drenched in perspiration during his training session before defiantly raising his fist.
Hatton wrote alongside the footage: “Evening run in the bag. Don’t you worry about that, our kid. #getupthereboy #hitman #bluemoon.”
An outpouring of heartfelt messages flooded in from the boxing world and wider community once the tragic announcement was made official.
During his remarkable career, Hatton secured numerous world championships alongside national titles, receiving Fighter of the Year accolades in 2015. Between 1997 and 2012, he compiled a stellar 45-3 record, featuring 32 knockout victories, before retiring from the ring.
His son Campbell recently voiced his wishes for a massive crowd at the former two-division champion’s send-off on Friday.
The ex-fighter shared with Granada Reports: “That’s exactly what he would have wanted. He saw his biggest achievement in boxing as his fanbase, that’s what he was most proud of. He would want the street to be filled with people, there celebrating his life. Everything he did, he did for his fans.”
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