Thousands Line Manchester Streets to Honor Boxing Legend Ricky Hatton

Manchester turned into a sea of tributes today as thousands of fans, friends, and celebrities gathered to bid farewell to Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton, the beloved British boxing icon who passed away last month at age 46. The funeral procession wound through the city, culminating in a memorial service at Manchester Cathedral.

The cortege began at Hatton’s local pub, The Cheshire Cheese, and wove past his old gym in Hyde, the AO Arena—site of many of his triumphs—and through streets draped in Manchester City colors, before arriving at the cathedral. Supporters waved flags, chanted his name, and cheered the sky-blue coffin marked “Blue Moon,” a nod to his walk-out song and fervent support for City.

Among those in attendance were boxing stars and stalwarts—Tyson Fury, Amir Khan, Tony Bellew—alongside cultural figures like Liam Gallagher and football legends such as Wayne Rooney. Fury, visibly moved, described the event as honoring not just a fighter but a “people’s champ.”

Hatton’s storied career included world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight, and a signature win over Kostya Tszyu in 2005 in Manchester that remains iconic. He later confronted personal struggles, speaking openly about mental health, a journey that resonated with many of his fans.

The funeral was a reflection of Hatton’s connection to the city and its people—humble roots, working class pride, fierce loyalty. Manchester’s outpouring showed that his impact went far beyond boxing rings—it reached local pubs, gyms, and the hearts of everyday fans.