Ricky Hatton’s family confirm boxing icon’s funeral procession route | Boxing | Sport

Boxing legend Ricky Hatton will be laid to rest on Friday, October 10. The former world welterweight and light-welterweight champion was tragically found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, last month, aged just 46.

The details of the funeral procession, including the route the British icon’s coffin will take before his funeral at midday, have been confirmed. The cortege will begin its journey from Gee Cross, passing through Hyde towards Manchester Cathedral, before reaching the Etihad Stadium, the home ground of Hatton’s beloved Manchester City. The procession is scheduled to start at the Cheshire Cheese pub on Stockport Road, Hyde, around 9.45am, before moving on to Harehill Tavern. Doves will be released at its next stop, The New Inn. Further stops along the route include Hatton’s Gym, Hyde Town Hall, Betta Bodies Gym and the AO Arena.

A private memorial service will take place at the cathedral from 12pm, after which the procession will head to the Etihad Stadium, where the boxer’s son, Campbell, was recently moved to tears by a touching tribute before the match against Burnley.

Although the service is by invitation only, members of the public will have the opportunity to pay their respects as the funeral cortege makes its way to the cathedral.

Tributes from around the world flooded in for the fighter following the heartbreaking news of his passing. Hatton’s younger brother and former boxer Matthew posted on X: “I love you Richard. See you on the other side.

“Ricky was one of a kind. Just heartbreaking,” wrote former Manchester United and England midfielder David Beckham on Instagram. Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury posted: “There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this – so young.”

In a touching tribute following Ricky’s passing, his family wrote: “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.

“As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support. It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.

“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy – both in boxing and as a man – will continue to live on. Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.”