Tyson Fury, Frank Bruno, and Boxing Legends Turn Out for Ricky Hatton’s Funeral: Boxing Greats, Football Icons, and Manchester’s Famous Faces Pay Tribute
As Manchester prepares to say goodbye to Ricky Hatton, the beloved “Hitman” of British boxing, the city is bracing for one of the largest tributes ever seen for a sportsman. The service, to be held at Manchester Cathedral, is expected to draw thousands of mourners — from world-class athletes and celebrities to lifelong fans who saw Hatton as one of their own.
According to early details reported by BBC News (Oct. 10, 2025), the funeral cortege will set off from the Cheshire Cheese pub in Hyde, making its way past Hatton’s Gym, Hyde Town Hall, and the AO Arena before reaching the Cathedral. Fans have been urged to line the streets in blue, the color of Hatton’s beloved Manchester City, with floral tributes and banners already appearing outside pubs and boxing clubs across Greater Manchester.
Ricky Hatton order of service
A Tribute Fit for a People’s Champion
In a poignant touch, a truck carrying the Trotters’ yellow van from Only Fools and Horses — the show Hatton adored — will lead the procession. The choice reflects the late boxer’s humor and his pride in being a down-to-earth Mancunian. Behind it, family, friends, and fellow fighters will accompany the hearse through Hyde, where Hatton grew up and trained before conquering the boxing world.
“Ricky was the hero of Hyde,” his friend and trainer Blain Younis told BBC Manchester. “He never changed, no matter how big he got. Everyone around here felt like they knew him.”
Leading the procession will be a truck carrying the famous yellow Only Fools and Horses van, a heartfelt tribute to Hatton’s love of the show, followed by the hearse carrying the beloved champion’s coffin.
Expected to Attend: The Boxing World, Sporting Icons & Celebrity Mourners
The farewell to Ricky Hatton is expected to draw an extraordinary mix of world champions, promoters, footballers, and entertainers — a testament to how far his influence extended beyond the ring.
The Boxing World
Among those expected to attend are Frank Warren, who promoted many of Hatton’s biggest fights, and Amir Khan, a long-time friend and admirer. Tyson Fury, who trained at Hatton’s gym in his early career, is also anticipated, along with his father John Fury and brother Tommy Fury.
Internationally, Manny Pacquiao, who fought Hatton in 2009, has sent condolences and is reportedly considering a trip to Manchester, while Floyd Mayweather Jr. has privately expressed his respect for the British champion.
Other prominent figures likely to attend include Anthony Joshua, Carl Froch, Lennox Lewis, Joe Calzaghe, David Haye, Tony Bellew, Eddie Hearn, Bob Arum, Paulie Malignaggi, Kostya Tszyu, Nigel Benn, and Chris Eubank Sr. & Jr.
Hatton’s son, Campbell Hatton, will lead the family’s boxing contingent, joined by friends and trainers from Hatton’s Gym in Hyde, where his father’s journey began.
Football Icons and Sporting Figures
Given Hatton’s deep bond with Manchester City, the club is expected to be well represented. Among those tipped to attend are Pep Guardiola, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, Erling Haaland, and Micah Richards.
Former City legends such as Shaun Goater, Vincent Kompany, Joe Hart, and Pablo Zabaleta are also expected to be present, while even across-town rivals from Manchester United — including Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, and Gary Neville — have reportedly been invited to pay their respects.
From other sports, David Beckham, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Michael Bisping, Wayne Bridge, and Robbie Fowler have all shared public tributes and are likely to attend in person. [BBC Sport, Oct. 10, 2025]
Celebrities and Manchester’s Famous Faces
Manchester’s entertainment community is also expected to turn out in force. Local icons Liam and Noel Gallagher, both lifelong City fans, are tipped to attend alongside comedians Peter Kay, Jason Manford, and Coronation Street stars Simon Gregson, Antony Cotton, and Jennie McAlpine.
Other expected attendees include broadcaster Clare Balding, presenter Piers Morgan, and sports journalists Jeff Stelling, Johnny Nelson, and Carl Frampton. Members of The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, and New Order — long connected to Manchester’s cultural identity — are also expected to send tributes or attend in person.
A City Prepares to Say Goodbye
Manchester Cathedral has hosted state funerals and civic ceremonies before, but few will carry the emotional weight of this one. Hatton, who rose from a council estate to world champion, was more than a boxer — he was a symbol of working-class pride and northern resilience.
As BBC News noted in its coverage, “Hatton’s popularity meant he was adored across the board, and stars from a multitude of sports are expected to attend.” [BBC News, Oct. 10, 2025]
For fans, the day will be about more than mourning a fighter — it will be about celebrating the man who fought for them, both in and out of the ring.
