The funeral of beloved Mancunian boxing icon Ricky Hatton took place on Friday, October 10, following his tragic death on September 14 at the age of 46. Thousands of mourners, friends, and celebrities gathered across Tameside and Manchester city centre to pay their final respects to "The Hitman," "The Pride of Hyde," and "The People's Champion," who held multiple world championships in the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions. The day was marked by immense emotion, applause, and chants of 'there's only one Ricky Hatton.'

The cortège commenced its journey at 9:45 am at The Cheshire Cheese pub in Gee Cross, Ricky's local watering hole. Hundreds of fans, many dressed in black and holding Manchester City flags, clapped and sang as the hearse arrived. The procession, led by a float carrying Ricky's replica of the yellow Trotters Independent Traders van from his favourite show, "Only Fools & Horses," embarked on a two-hour, 15-mile journey from Tameside to Manchester city centre. Along the route, it passed several significant locations from Ricky's life and career, including the Harehill Tavern in Hattersley where he grew up, the former New Inn pub on Mottram New Road once run by his parents and featuring a basement boxing gym, Energie Fitness Ricky Hatton (formerly Hatton's Health and Fitness) on Market Street in Hyde, and Betta Bodies Gym in Denton where he regularly trained. Earlier in the morning, the flag at Hyde Town Hall was lowered to half-mast in his honour, a gesture recognized by a Tameside council spokesperson who highlighted Ricky's global sporting success and remarkable personal impact, emphasizing his warmth, generosity, and selfless spirit.

The main service was held at Manchester Cathedral and was by invite only, though vast crowds gathered outside. Ricky's sky blue coffin, adorned with a Manchester City badge and the words 'Blue Moon,' was carried into the cathedral by pall-bearers, including his 24-year-old son, Campbell. As the coffin passed, crowds erupted in applause, shouts of “go on Ricky,” and continued singing "There’s Only One Ricky Hatton," while a brass band played "Winter Wonderland," a song synonymous with his fans' chant. Many notable figures from the worlds of sport and entertainment were in attendance. Ricky's mother, Carol Hatton, and father, Ray, were present, with Carol's statement read at the service expressing that "'The Hitman' was adored by his army of fans – the People’s Champion, and he would say that’s how he would want to be remembered. Long before this accolade he was our little champion from the day he was born.” Campbell Hatton also delivered a poignant message, saying, “I can’t explain how much I’m going to miss you, dad, and that we won’t be making any new memories – but the ones we did I will cherish for ever.”

Among the celebrity mourners were boxing legends Tyson Fury, Natasha Jones, Tony Bellew, Frazer Clarke, Antony Crolla, Amir Khan, Frank Bruno, and Barry McGuigan. Tyson Fury, the multiple world heavyweight champion, garnered attention for his bold fashion choice, arriving in a brightly coloured suit decorated with pictures of himself, including images crowned on a throne, wedding day illustrations, and scenes in the boxing ring. Other prominent guests included Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher and his partner Debbie Gwyther, Stone Roses legend Mani, Happy Mondays' Shaun Ryder and Bez, comedian Paddy McGuinness, cricketer Freddie Flintoff, sports commentator Chris Kamara, club boss Wayne Lineker, and former football stars Wayne Rooney and Mike Summerbee, alongside Gary Owen. Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney, Ricky's former girlfriend and long-time friend, also attended the service, having previously posted heartbreaking tributes on social media following his death and on what would have been his 47th birthday. During the service, the Oasis classic "Live Forever" was played, a fitting tribute given Ricky was a huge fan and friend of the Gallagher brothers, who famously carried his belts into the ring in 2008. Liam Gallagher paid a personal farewell by kissing his hand and touching Ricky's coffin as it was placed back in the hearse. Noel Gallagher had revealed he was texting Ricky just a week before his passing, acknowledging Ricky’s struggles with mental health and calling him a "great Mancunian" and "lovely, lovely lad." Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also spoke outside the cathedral, describing Ricky as a "true working-class hero" who "turned up for people."

Following the emotional service at Manchester Cathedral, the cortège departed around 1:15 pm, making one final trip to Ricky's beloved Etihad Stadium, the home of Manchester City, providing fans another chance to say goodbye. The procession then concluded with a private committal for family and close friends.