Funeral details announced for boxing legend Ricky Hatton

The family of Ricky Hatton have shared the first details of the funeral arrangements for the much-loved boxing champion, giving fans the opportunity to say a final farewell.

Hyde-based funeral directors Frank Massey and Son Ltd confirmed today (Thursday, September 26) that a service celebrating Ricky’s life will be held at Manchester Cathedral at midday on Friday, October 10.

The service itself will be invitation-only, but members of the public will have the chance to pay their respects as the funeral procession makes its way towards the cathedral. The proposed route is set to be announced closer to the date.

It comes almost two weeks after Ricky was tragically found dead at his home in Gee Cross on Sunday, September 14. He was just 46.

Tributes have poured in from across the sporting world and beyond for Hatton, who inspired millions with his brilliance in the ring and his openness about struggles outside of it.

In a moving statement, his family said: “Richard was 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. He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.

He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.”

The family added that they have been “deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support,” describing Ricky’s legacy as one that will “forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.”

Meanwhile, Hatton’s Hyde-based gym will host its own memorial event this weekend.

Hatton Health and Fitness, which Ricky founded in 2009 and opened alongside boxing legend Muhammad Ali, has announced that a minute’s silence and balloon release will take place at the gym on Sunday, September 28 at 7pm.

In a statement, the gym said: “You are all warmly invited to join us in paying our respects to Ricky. Members and non-members of the gym are all welcome.”

Following his passing, the gym paid tribute on social media: “Ricky was much more than a world-class fighter and an exceptional trainer. He was a remarkable person who inspired countless individuals. His influence reached far beyond Hyde and the local community, touching the lives of millions around the world. Everyone at the gym is devastated by this loss. Ricky’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he motivated, mentored, and uplifted.”