Thousands of people gathered on a sombre but deeply emotional Manchester day (October 10) to pay their final respects to boxing icon Ricky 'The Hitman' Hatton, who passed away last month at the age of 46. The former world champion's funeral cortege embarked on a poignant journey from his hometown of Hyde to Manchester Cathedral, winding through the pubs, gyms, and landmarks that were integral to his life and illustrious career. The overwhelming turnout underscored the immense love and affection felt for the "pride of Hyde," a true working-class hero.

The procession commenced outside his former local, the Cheshire Cheese, near his home. Leading the cortege was a flat-bed truck proudly displaying his beloved bright yellow Reliant Regal, famously known as the Trotters’ van from "Only Fools and Horses," a testament to Hatton's super-fan status. Mourners, many clad in black with splashes of sky-blue scarves and buttonholes in honour of his cherished Manchester City, laid floral tributes on the truck. These included a memorable wreath shaped like a pint of Guinness, his favourite tipple, and others spelling out 'HITMAN', 'BROTHER', 'SON', 'UNCLE', and 'DAD'. Many in the crowd shared pints of the black stuff, showing emotion openly, mirroring their hero.

As the hearse, carrying Hatton's sky-blue coffin adorned with lilies and roses and inscribed 'Blue Moon', 'Ricky', and Richard, passed by, continuous applause, cheers, and chants of his name resonated through the streets. Crowds wept and applauded outside his old social haunts and training grounds. At the Harehill Tavern in Hattersley, where Hatton grew up, mourners unveiled a mural in his honour, surrounded by blue and white flowers spelling 'There's only one Ricky Hatton'. Following a poignant dove release at the New Inn, the cortege proceeded to his former gyms, including the one he founded in 2009, now named Energie Fitness Hyde Ricky Hatton, and Betta Bodies gym in Denton. Blue flares lit the air, accompanied by chants and tributes such as 'Blue Moon Rising - Ricky 'Hitman' Hatton'. The journey culminated at the AO Arena, formerly the M.E.N. Arena, the very venue where he achieved some of his greatest triumphs, including his famous victory over Kostya Tszyu in 2005.

Outside Manchester Cathedral, hundreds of adoring fans and a constellation of celebrities gathered. The star-studded guest list for the private 1,000-capacity service included boxing greats like Tyson Fury, Frank Bruno, and Amir Khan, alongside sports personalities Freddie Flintoff and Wayne Rooney with his wife Coleen, and musicians Liam Gallagher, Shaun Ryder, and Bez, among others. A distinctively Manchester atmosphere prevailed. As the funeral cortege entered the cathedral grounds, applause erupted, followed by a respectful silence as family members, including Hatton’s son Campbell, nephew, and long-time manager Paul Speak, soberly carried the sky-blue coffin into the building.

The private service's audio feed was broadcast to the crowds outside in Cathedral Gardens. Emotional and heartfelt tributes were read by Hatton's children, Campbell, Millie, and Fearne, whose trembling voices spoke of their beloved dad, each met with applause. His mother, Carol, in a eulogy, affectionately called her son the 'people’s champion', noting he wanted to be remembered that way, but was "our little champion from the day he was born." Campbell Hatton expressed how much he would miss his father and cherish their memories. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham highlighted Hatton's status as a 'true working class hero' who "turned up for people."

After the service, the cortege made a final stop at the Etihad Stadium, home of his beloved Manchester City, before proceeding to a private committal. More Man City colours filled the memorial gardens, with flags held high and chants of 'Walking in a Hatton Wonderland' echoing. Mourners spoke of him as an "absolute legend," "so humble and approachable," "one of us," and a "proper man of the people" who "always had time for people."

Ricky 'The Hitman' Hatton was found dead at his home in Gee Cross, Hyde, on the morning of Sunday, September 14. Greater Manchester Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances, and his death was referred to the coroner. An inquest opening has been formally listed for Thursday, October 16, at South Manchester Coroners' Court. In a statement issued by his family, they described Richard as "so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many." They emphasized his "heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty," and how he "inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport," always remaining the "down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from."