The boxing world and Greater Manchester community are preparing to bid a final farewell to legendary boxer Ricky Hatton today, Friday, October 10, following his passing last month at the age of 46. Hatton, a beloved former world welterweight champion, was found dead at his Hyde home on Sunday, September 14, with Greater Manchester Police confirming no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. Thousands are anticipated to pay their respects to the Stockport-born, Tameside-raised icon.

A private funeral service will be held at Manchester Cathedral at 12 noon, with attendance strictly by invitation only. However, fans will have multiple opportunities to honor “The Hitman” as the funeral cortege undertakes a nearly two-hour journey through Tameside and Manchester city centre, culminating at his cherished Manchester City FC's Etihad Stadium.

The procession is scheduled to commence at 9:45 am from The Cheshire Cheese pub on Stockport Road, Gee Cross, Hyde. The route will then proceed towards The Grapes Hotel on Mottram Old Road, turn left onto Underwood Road in Hattersley, and continue along Hattersley Road East and West, with a designated pause at the Harehill Tavern. A poignant moment will occur at The New Inn on Mottram Road in Hattersley, where doves will be released in Hatton's honor. The cortege will then turn left onto Union Street and Market Street in Hyde, pausing again outside Hatton's Gym.

Continuing its journey, the procession will pass Hyde Town Hall before heading down Manchester Road and Hyde Road towards Crown Point in Denton, passing Betta Bodies Gym. After navigating the Denton roundabout, it will proceed through Gorton, turning onto Devonshire Street North, Chancellor Lane, Pin Mill Brow, Great Ancoats Street, and the city centre Ring Road, passing the AO Arena before arriving at Manchester Cathedral for the service.

Following the private memorial at Manchester Cathedral, the procession will resume its journey to the Etihad Stadium. Departing from Victoria Street, it will turn onto Victoria Bridge Street, left onto Chapel Street, right onto Blackfriars Road, and right onto Trinity Way (passing the AO Arena again). It will then turn left onto Corporation Street, follow onto Angel Street and Addington Street, turn right onto Oldham Road, left onto Great Ancoats Street, left onto Pollard Street, and finally continue onto Merrill Street and Ashton New Road to arrive at the Etihad Stadium.

Beyond the immediate grieving, Ricky Hatton's legacy is also being honored through significant mental health campaigns. The Manchester Evening News and Daily Star have joined forces to raise funds for Andy's Man Club and the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), two charities deeply important to the former world champion. Furthermore, a new organization, The Ricky Hatton Foundation, has been established in his name, pledging to carry his “spirit forward” by supporting individuals “facing their own fights with mental illness” and ensuring “no one ever has to face those battles alone.” These initiatives aim to continue his advocacy and support for mental well-being, reflecting his lasting impact.