Ricky Hatton funeral details announced with fans | Boxing News

Ricky Hatton’s funeral will happen next month, with supporters invited to line Manchester‘s streets to pay their closing respects. It comes practically a fortnight since Ricky was discovered useless at home aged just 46. Tributes have poured in for the previous world champion, who captivated thousands and thousands through his boxing excellence and openness concerning his personal struggles.

A ceremony celebrating Ricky’s life will happen at Manchester Cathedral at noon on Friday, October 10, with fans ready to show their respect as the funeral cortege makes its method to the cathedral, with the deliberate route to be announced prior to the event. Access to the Manchester Cathedral service will likely be strictly by invitation only.

In a touching tribute after Ricky’s death, his household said: “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 coronary heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everybody who was fortunate 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 impressed generations with his preventing spirit, his humility, and his love for the game. But past the titles, the nights to keep in mind, and the roar of the gang, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he got here 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 consolation to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and revered.

“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him.

“In the times and weeks forward, we are going to take strength from one another and from the data 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.”