Every celeb spotted at Ricky Hatton’s funeral in Manchester | Boxing | Sport
Ricky Hatton’s funeral was held in Manchester on Friday, nearly a month after his death sent shockwaves through the city and the sporting community. In an extraordinary farewell, thousands of mourners gathered along the streets as the funeral procession travelled through Manchester, stopping at locations that held special significance during his lifetime.
Among those paying their respects was former girlfriend, television actress Claire Sweeney, and Oasis lead singer Liam Gallagher. Former England and Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen, boxers Tyson and Tommy Fury, Happy Mondays’ Shaun Ryder and Mark “Bez” Berry, reality television star Calum Best, comedian Paddy McGuinness, former cricket legend Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff and actor Dean Gaffney were also spotted arriving on Friday.
The private memorial ceremony commenced at midday, following the arrival of Hatton’s funeral cortege, which was headed by the iconic Reliant van from Only Fools and Horses. The former world boxing champion was an avid admirer of the Del Boy and Rodney comedy series.
Hatton previously purchased one of the original three-wheelers for £4,000, which he would drive around his beloved home city. Also arriving at the cathedral were boxers Frazer Clarke and Natasha Jonas, former pugilists Amir Khan, Scott Welch, Frank Bruno, Barry McGuigan, and Anthony Crolla, ex-Manchester City player Mike Summerbee, pundit and former footballer Chris Kamara, and Hatton’s previous trainer, Billy Graham.
Tributes flooded in from across the sporting world and beyond following the boxing legend’s death aged 46 at his residence in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14. Outside the cathedral, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told Sky Sports News: “Ricky was a true working-class hero, and you can tell that by the numbers that are here outside.
LIVE: Updates from Ricky Hatton’s funeral as boxing legend laid to rest
“When I was elected mayor, I would turn up and he’d be there at a corner of an event, sometimes a very low-key event. He turned up for people – you can’t say that about everybody in life but Ricky turned up for people, and that really matters.
“He’s one of Britain’s best ever fighters. He should be remembered first and foremost for getting to the top of his game and for giving that pride to this place in the country.”
As mourners gathered, a brass band performed Winter Wonderland, associated with his supporters’ chant, ‘There’s Only One Ricky Hatton,’ which echoed around the numerous arenas where he competed. Hundreds of people outside erupted into applause as the funeral procession arrived.
Multiple cries of, ‘Go on, Ricky,’ could be heard, and people chanted, ‘There’s Only One Ricky Hatton.’ En route to the memorial service, the cortege stopped at the Cheshire Cheese pub – Hatton’s local – on Stockport Road in Hyde and was greeted with applause from mourners before departing at 9.45 am.
The procession continued to the Harehill Tavern before doves were released in Hatton’s honour at The New Inn. A poignant moment was observed at Hatton’s Gym, where moved fans sang and snapped photos.
Supporters congregated around the cathedral in anticipation of the service. Images of the celebrities who attended to pay their respects can be viewed here.
