The funeral procession is now underway for boxing legend Ricky Hatton. The boxer will be laid to rest at Manchester Cathedral at 12pm, but the route stops at plenty of important destinations in the life of Hatton, his career and personal life.
As the cortege arrived at the first stop, the Cheshire Cheese in Gee Cross, it was met with applause by fans who had gathered to send Hatton off on his final journey. An Only Fools and Horses Reliant Regal on a flatbed truck led the funeral cars, which is a reminder of Hatton’s love for the legendary comedy show.
The boxing icon from Hyde once purchased one of the original Reliant Robin vans used in Only Fools and Horses. He spent nearly £4,000 on the van, and was pictured driving it wearing flat cap inspired by Del Boy Trotter, as well as sheepskin.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News in 2013, Hatton said: “I asked a fellow who runs a website selling this kind of stuff to let me know if any of the eight three-wheelers they used in the show came up for sale and just recently he gave me a call.
“They delivered it to me, and the night before it came I was so excited I couldn’t sleep. I got it MOT’d and insured, and now I just drive round in it. The BMW stays on the driveway.”
The van was not his only purchase related to the show, he also has every DVD, alarm clocks and photos from the cast inside of his Manchester home.
In 2020, Hatton queued with fans to get his picture taken with Sir David Jason, known for his unforgettable role as Del Boy. This is a moment he paid £400 for. The boxer was born in 1978, just three years before the show started.
While fans will be able to remember Hatton outside of the cathedral and along the procession route, entry into the Manchester Cathedral service will be by invitation only. After the memorial at the cathedral, fans can continue to pay tribute as the route continues to the Etihad Stadium.
Hatton was found dead at his home in Gee Cross on Sunday, September 14, aged 46. An incredible boxing career saw him win multiple world championships and UK titles. In 2015, he was named boxer of the year and had been set to return to the ring this December, in Dubai.
Full details for the funeral procession are:
- Start: Cheshire Cheese, Gee Cross, Hyde
- Pause: Harehill Tavern
- Pause: The New Inn for Dove Release
- Pause: Hatton’s Gym
- Pass: Hyde Town Hall
- Pass: Betta Bodies Gym
- Pass: AO Arena
- Arrive: Manchester Cathedral
- After memorial, continue to the Etihad Stadium