Iconic boxing legend Ricky Hatton will be laid to rest today after being found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester last month, at the age of 46. The procession honoring the former world welterweight and light-welterweight champion will start at Gee Cross, passing through Hyde before reaching Manchester Cathedral. Following a private service, the cortege will proceed to the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City, a team close to Hatton’s heart.
The procession will commence at the Cheshire Cheese pub on Stockport Road in Hyde, with stops planned at significant locations including Harehill Tavern and Hatton’s Gym. The route will include poignant moments such as a dove release at The New Inn and visits to Hyde Town Hall, Betta Bodies Gym, and the AO Arena.
A private memorial service will be held at the Cathedral around noon, followed by the procession’s journey to the Etihad Stadium. The public will have the opportunity to pay their respects as the cortege moves towards the cathedral, although the service itself will remain private.
The funeral proceedings mark the end of a poignant day of remembrance for the beloved boxer. Ricky Hatton’s legacy will endure globally, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from various figures in the boxing world, including a touching farewell from Barry McGuigan.
While the circumstances of Hatton’s passing are yet to be fully clarified, those close to him, including Paul Speak, who found him at his residence, are seeking answers. Speak, who was set to accompany Hatton on a trip to Dubai, emphasizes the importance of revealing the truth surrounding the tragic event.
Family members, friends, and fans gathered to bid farewell to Hatton, reflecting on his remarkable career and the impact he made both inside and outside the ring. The funeral procession, culminating at the Etihad Stadium, was a poignant tribute to a boxing icon who will be remembered as a true champion.
