The family of Ricky Hatton were seen in tears amid a highly emotional day for the funeral service of the local icon.
Thousands gathered on the streets of Hyde, Denton and the city centre this morning as the funeral cortège made its way from the 46-year-old’s home in Gee Cross through the streets of Tameside.
Carol Hatton made her way into Manchester Cathedral alongside Ricky’s dad, Ray, shortly before 12pm.
Liam Gallagher makes heartbreaking gesture to Ricky Hatton’s coffin after emotional funeral
Claire Sweeney in tears as she leaves Manchester Cathedral after ex-boyfriend Ricky Hatton’s funeral
Ricky Hatton’s parents, Ray and Carol Hatton, arrive at Manchester Cathedral(Image: PA)
During the service, Carol said in a statement read on her behalf at the service: “‘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.
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“Long before this accolade he was our little champion from the day he was born.”
Ray and Carol Hatton arrive for Ricky’s funeral(Image: Getty Images)
The former world welterweight champion’s 24-year-old son, Campbell, was also pictured making his way into the iconic building. He was one of the pall-bearers who carried his father’s coffin into the cathedral.
He said at the memorial service: “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.”
Campbell Hatton enters Manchester Cathedral for his dad’s funeral(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Soap star Claire Sweeney was also among those who arrived for the invite-only service, as she was pictured wearing a black dress and black funeral hat with a veil attached.
The Merseyside actress and Ricky were long-time friends and dated for several months after they competed on Dancing On Ice in 2024.
Other notable attendees included Liam Gallagher and his partner Debbie Gwyther, Wayne and Coleen Rooney, Tyson Fury and Bez and Shaun Ryder from Happy Mondays.
Tributes poured in across the world of sport and beyond after the boxing legend’s death aged 46 on September 14.
The coffin of Ricky Hatton is carried into Manchester Cathedral, by his brother Matthew Hatton and son Campbell Hatton(Image: PA)
Outside the cathedral, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told Sky Sports News: “Ricky was a true working class hero and you can tell that by the numbers that are here outside.
“When I was elected mayor, I would turn up and he’d be there at a corner of an event, sometimes a very low-key event. He turned up for people – you can’t say that about everybody in life but Ricky turned up for people, and that really matters.
Hugs outside Manchester Cathedral ahead of Ricky Hatton’s funeral(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
“He’s one of Britain’s best ever fighters. He should be remembered first and foremost for getting to the top of his game and for giving that pride to this place in the country.”
As mourners arrived, a brass band played Winter Wonderland, synonymous with his fans’ chant “There’s Only One Ricky Hatton”, which rang round the many stadiums he fought in.
Ricky’s family gather outside Manchester Cathedral before his funeral service begins(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Hundreds of people outside broke into applause as the funeral cortege arrived.
Several shouts of “go on Ricky” were heard and people sang “There’s Only One Ricky Hatton”.
Fans gather outside Manchester Cathedral for Ricky Hatton’s funeral(Image: Ryan Jenkinson)
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