Thousands line streets of Manchester for Hatton's funeral

2 hours ago

PA Media A blue coffin, which is adorned with white flowers, is carried out of Manchester Cathedral by Ricky Hatton's family and put into the back of a hearse. Crowds of people can be seen paying their respects in the background.

The great and the good of the boxing world were among thousands of mourners who said an emotional farewell to world champion Ricky Hatton at his funeral earlier.

Hatton, whose passion, personality and skills drew huge crowds throughout his career, was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on 14 September at the age of 46.

The boxer’s son Campbell, who followed his father into the boxing ring, paid tribute during the service at Manchester Cathedral.

“Growing up I looked up to my dad in every aspect of life whether it be following in a career in boxing like he did or the way he carried himself out of the ring.

PA Media Ricky Hatton is staring straight at the camera in this posed photograph. He is wearing a navy suit and shirt.

Hatton’s mother Carol said in a statement read on her behalf: “‘The Hitman’ was adored by his army of fans – the People’s Champion, and he would say that’s how he would want to be remembered.

Among those attending were boxers Frazer Clarke and Natasha Jonas, former boxers Amir Khan, Scott Welch, Frank Bruno, Barry McGuigan and Anthony Crolla, former Manchester City footballer Mike Summerbee, pundit and former footballer Chris Kamara and Hatton’s former trainer Billy Graham.

Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen and boxers Tyson and Tommy Fury also attended the service.

EPA Musicians Gary 'Mani' Mounfield and Liam Gallagher are pictured amongst the crowds at Ricky Hatton's funeral service at Manchester Cathedral

PA Media Tyson Fury is walking out of the funeral service for Ricky Hatton at Manchester Cathedral. His brother Tommy is walking behind him.

EPA Wayne Rooney has his head bowed as he arrives at the funeral service of the boxer.

Hatton’s funeral cortege was led by the famous Reliant van from Only Fools And Horses.

The former boxing world champion was a big fan of the Del Boy and Rodney sitcom and once bought one of the original three-wheelers for £4,000, which he used to drive round his home city.