Thousands line the streets to say farewell to Ricky Hatton

Thousands of people lined the streets of Tameside and Greater Manchester today to bid an emotional farewell to one of Britain’s most beloved sporting heroes, Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton.

From Gee Cross to the heart of Manchester, crowds gathered in their thousands, cheering, clapping, chanting, and often in tears, as the funeral procession for the Hyde-born boxing legend made its way to Manchester Cathedral. It was a poignant display of love and respect for a man who transcended boxing to become a true local and national icon.

The cortege set off from The Cheshire Cheese on Stockport Road, Gee Cross, at 9:45am, following a route filled with landmarks from Hatton’s life and career. The procession paused at Harehill Tavern, The New Inn - where a dove release took place - and at Hatton’s Gym, the fitness centre Ricky founded in 2009. It then travelled through Hyde town centre, Denton, and Gorton, before passing the AO Arena en route to the cathedral via Victoria Street.

Among the huge crowds paying their respects were familiar faces from the worlds of sport and entertainment. Tom Syndicate attended the start of the procession in Gee Cross, while Tyson Fury, Tommy Fury, Wayne Rooney, Mayor Andy Burnham, and broadcaster Chris Kamara were among the many well-known figures who gathered for the private service at Manchester Cathedral.

The family had earlier said they were “deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support” since Ricky’s tragic passing at his home in Gee Cross on Sunday, September 14, at the age of 46.

In a heartfelt statement, they described the former two-weight world champion as “so much more than a world champion - a loving father, grandfather, brother and true friend to many. He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.”

Tributes have flooded in from across the sporting world and beyond for the fighter who was admired not only for his grit in the ring but also for his openness about life’s challenges outside it.

The Reporter spoke to one local resident who joined crowds in Gee Cross this morning: “I came out today to pay massive respect to someone who was one of our own, the champion, he was the proper man of the people.

“And I think I didn’t really appreciate how big he was because of how humble he was and accessible.

“And just the love across the world that we’ve seen over the past few weeks has just been amazing, so we had to come today just to say thanks and send him on his final way.”

As the cortege made its way through the streets of his hometown, chants of “There’s only one Ricky Hatton” rang out, a fitting farewell to a man whose spirit, determination, and warmth captured the hearts of millions.