Farewell to a Legend: All the details of Ricky Hatton’s funeral procession

Fans are invited to line a 13 mile memorial route ahead of a private funeral service at Manchester Cathedral.

Ricky Hatton in the Betta Bodies gym in Denton in 2005.
Author: Victoria GloverPublished 10th Oct 2025

Manchester is expected to come to a standstill later as mourners bid farewell to one of the city's most beloved sporting icons, Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton.

The world champion boxer passed away at his home last month, aged 46, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow athletes and public figures across the globe.

His funeral procession will span two hours, honouring the places and people that shaped Hatton's extraordinary life.

A journey through memory

The funeral cortege will begin its journey at 9:45 AM on Friday 10th October from the Cheshire Cheese pub in Hyde, a local landmark close to Hatton’s heart. From there, the procession will travel through a series of meaningful stops:

  • Harehill Tavern
  • The New Inn, where a symbolic dove release will take place
  • Hatton’s Gym, the training ground of champions
  • Hyde Town Hall, a civic tribute to his legacy
  • Betta Bodies Gym in Denton
  • AO Arena, where Hatton once electrified crowds with his fights
  • Manchester Cathedral, where a private memorial service will be held at 12 noon
  • Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City FC, where the final tribute will be paid

Public invited to pay respects

While the service at Manchester Cathedral will be invitation-only for at least 1,000 guests, members of the public are encouraged to line the procession route to show their support and celebrate Hatton’s life. Local authorities have advised attendees to arrive early and expect road closures along the route.

Route map

Ricky Hatton memorial procession route

A fighter, a father, a friend

Hatton’s son, Campbell, has led tributes to his father, describing him as “a warrior in the ring and a gentle soul outside of it.” Fellow boxing legends, including Tyson Fury and Ricky Burns, have also shared heartfelt messages, calling Hatton “a true people's champion.”

Last month, crowds gathered for a memorial event at Ricky's gym in his home town of Hyde, énergie Fitness Hyde Ricky Hatton:

A service of remembrance

The Dean of Manchester, The Very Revd Rogers Govender MBE will lead the service at Manchester Cathedral, in front of at least 1,000 invited guests.

Throughout the service, Ricky will be referred to by his full name, Richard, at the request of his family.

"I think it's a huge privilege and an honour for us to host Richard's funeral." He said, "We do it on behalf of the city, on behalf of the people of Greater Manchester and on behalf of all those who loved him. This cathedral is a place for the entire community and I give thanks that we can host this service for the family.

"Ricky is an icon of this city. He's somebody who has inspired so many hundreds of people in this city and we rejoice that we can release Richard into God's hands and that we can do it in this cathedral, which is the people's cathedral.

"His personality will be reflected in the eulogies and in the music, but also through his family. They're all larger than life figures and he was a larger than life figure. People will be sharing some great insights into his life, what they've known of him, known through him and received from him. I think it will really reflect the reality of knowing Ricky and it will be a great celebration."

Manchester Cathedral

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