Thousands line streets for Ricky Hatton’s funeral in Manchester

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 funeral was held at Manchester Cathedral after a long procession around the city

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.

“I can’t explain how much I’m going to miss you, dad, and that we won’t be making any new memories – but the ones we did I will cherish forever,” he said.

“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.

“But all of that was fuelled by the love I had and always will have for him.”

The sporting world was left in shock when Hatton was found dead at his home

PA Media Ricky Hatton is staring straight at the camera in this posed photograph. He is wearing a navy suit and shirt. — The sporting world was left in shock when Hatton was found dead at his home

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.

“Long before this accolade he was our little champion from the day he was born.”

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.

They were joined by Happy Mondays’ Shaun Ryder and Mark “Bez” Berry, reality TV personality Calum Best, comedian Paddy McGuinness, former cricket star Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff and actor Dean Gaffney.

Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher was among the friends and family attending

EPA Musicians Gary 'Mani' Mounfield and Liam Gallagher are pictured amongst the crowds at Ricky Hatton's funeral service at Manchester Cathedral — Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher was among the friends and family attending

Tyson Fury was joined by his brother Tommy at the service

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

Former England and Manchester United footballer Wayne Rooney and his wife Colleen paid their respects at the service

EPA Wayne Rooney has his head bowed as he arrives at the funeral service of the boxer. — Former England and Manchester United footballer Wayne Rooney and his wife Colleen paid their respects at the service

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.

On the way to the service, the cortege arrived at the Cheshire Cheese pub – Hatton’s local – on Stockport Road in Hyde and was met with applause from mourners before it departed at 09:45 BST.

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

Reuters The famous yellow van from Only Fools And Horses is on the back of a truck. It is surrounded by flowers. — Hatton’s funeral cortege was led by the famous Reliant van from Only Fools And Horses, which Hatton purchased

The coffin was carried into the cathedral by Hatton’s brother Matthew Hatton and son Campbell Hatton

EPA Pallbearers carry the coffin which is adorned with white flowers after the funeral service at Manchester Cathedral — The coffin was carried into the cathedral by Hatton’s brother Matthew Hatton and son Campbell Hatton

The funeral procession made a final stop at the home of Manchester City

PA The black hearse is parked up outside The Etihad Stadium. A black and white photograph of Hatton is on the screen in front of the stadium. — The funeral procession made a final stop at the home of Manchester City

The funeral was described as “a service of thanksgiving” in the order of service

Reuters A view of the order of service at the funeral of the former boxer. It reads: — The funeral was described as “a service of thanksgiving” in the order of service

The procession then travelled to the Harehill Tavern before doves were released in the boxer’s honour at The New Inn.

There was a further pause at Hatton’s Gym, where emotional fans sang and took pictures.

Throngs of wellwishers gathered around the cathedral ahead of the service.

Afterwards, the procession made its way from the cathedral to the Etihad Stadium, home of Hatton’s beloved Manchester City.

The Stockport-born boxer won world titles in both the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions.

He quickly rose through the amateur and domestic ranks to pit his wits against the elite fighters of his generation, including Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao.

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