Manchester will bid a final farewell to one of its most loved sporting heroes today. A funeral procession will start at 9.45am at the Cheshire Cheese Pub, Hatton’s local, and goes to Manchester Cathedral, with thousands expected to line the streets to reflect on his life and achievements.
The cortege includes stops at Hatton’s boxing gym and the AO Arena, where he enjoyed some of his finest nights, the highlight arguably being a win over Kostya Tszyu night 20 years ago., to capture his first world title.
The boxer was found dead at his home in Gee Cross on Sunday, September 14, aged 46. The Stockport-born fighter, who would have turned 47 in October, was a trailblazer where British boxing is concerned, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
An illustrious boxing career saw the Manchester City supporter 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 year, a fight was arranged for December 2 in Dubai.
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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
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.
Following a private memorial service at midday, the commemorative march will head to the Etihad Stadium, the home of Hatton’s beloved Manchester City.
In their official statement, released shortly after the death of Ricky Hatton, GMP said: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”
Hatton’s family has stressed that the boxer appeared to be “in a good place” in the weeks leading up to his death. A statement released on September 17 noted: “To all our knowledge, despite his well-documented struggles, Richard was in a good place.
“He was excited for the future; his bag was packed ready to go to Dubai to promote a comeback fight and he was planning a celebration in Dubai of which his beloved girls Millie and Fearne were to be the centre of.”
As the procession is set to get underway shortly, tributes have already started to line the route as fans gather to say goodbye to the Manchester legend.