Wayne Rooney, Tyson Fury and Liam Gallagher were among the mourners at Ricky Hatton's funeral, with a huge turnout attracted in Manchester as respects were paid to the former boxing world champion. Hatton tragically passed away at his home in Hyde on September 14. The Manchester City-supporting fighting legend, who thrilled and inspired millions around the world, was just 46 years of age.
Thousands pay respect to Hatton
Hatton’s funeral procession started at 9:45am on October 10 outside his local pub, the Cheshire Cheese, and was led by a yellow Reliant Robin car made famous by the Only Fools and Horses sitcom. Hatton was a big fan of that show and once bought one of the original three-wheelers for £4,000.
The cortege stopped at Hatton’s boxing gym and the AO Arena in Manchester, where the larger-than-life Stockport native enjoyed some of his most memorable nights in the ring – including his iconic victory over Kostya Tsyzu in June 2005 that landed a first world title.
Thousands of grieving supporters lined the streets, with a private memorial ceremony taking place at Manchester Cathedral. Following that service, the commemorative march moves on to the Etihad Stadium – the home of Hatton’s beloved City.
AdvertisementGettyRooney mourns close friend
Manchester United icon Rooney, who carried Hatton’s belts in Las Vegas prior to a win over Jose Luis Castillo, was among those in attendance. Oasis frontman Gallagher, who accompanied his fellow Mancunian to the ring ahead of a clash with Paulie Malignaggi in 2008, was another of the mourners.
Former world heavyweight champion Fury was also at the emotional gathering in Manchester, alongside fellow boxers Tony Bellew and Amir Khan, England cricket great Andrew Flintoff, City icon Mike Summerbee and former football player-turned-pundit Chris Kamara.
Fury honours fellow icon of boxing
Rooney said upon hearing of Hatton’s passing: "Ricky was such a good lad and a good person. He is someone who captured the nation, in terms of the support he got, they followed him all around the world. I want to pay my condolences to his family and everyone who is really close to him. It is way too soon. It has not fully kicked in, it's devastating. Heartbreaking. I am sure over the next few days from everyone across the country we will see a lot of messages and people will understand what a true gentleman and good person he was."
Fury said when paying tribute to his close friend and idol: "Today is the day of Ricky Hatton's funeral, and I am not going to be alone when I say this… Ricky inspired me as a young boy to go on and do great things in boxing. I wanted to be just like him; the ringwalks, the flashy shorts, the fans, the chanting. When I was a little kid, he was fighting for his world title in Manchester against Kostya Tszyu and I was there along with a lot of young proper kids who were also inspired by Ricky. So, without Ricky Hatton, Manchester would not have had, the North West would not have had, the UK would not have had so many boxing world champions… inspired by the great Richard 'the Hitman' Hatton. Rest in peace, Rick. See you soon, buddy."
GettyHatton remains popular among British sports fans
Hatton won 45 of his 48 matches, with his all-action style and penchant for living life to the full outside of the ring earning him a legion of loyal supporters. He will be remembered as one of the greatest fighters that British boxing ever produced – and definitely one of the most popular.
Having taken part in a no-scoring exhibition bout with Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022, Hatton had been planning another step between the ropes. He announced in July 2025 that he would be taking part in a professional bout taking place in Dubai.
Said event was due to be staged in December, with his family saying that Hatton had been in a “good place” and was “excited” about what the immediate future held prior to his death being announced.