Ricky Hatton’s funeral as son Campbell fights back tears in heartbreaking eulogy

Ricky Hatton was laid to rest on Friday in his beloved Manchester, with a large funeral procession starting at 9.45am at the Cheshire Cheese pub – Hatton’s local

Campbell Hatton, son of Ricky Hatton, was on the brink of tears as he delivered a heartfelt tribute at his father’s funeral. The former two-weight world champion was laid to rest on Friday (October 10), with crowds gathering along the streets of Manchester before an emotional service at Manchester Cathedral.

Ricky’s children, Campbell and Millie, read touching tributes during the service, surrounded by family and friends. Campbell, 24, said: “Never has a father and son had so much in common. I looked up to my dad in every aspect of life. All of that was fuelled by the love I had and always will have for him. I can’t explain how much I’m going to miss you dad. I can’t believe we’re not going to make any new memories together. But the ones I have I will treasure forever.”

Ricky’s mother, Carol, penned a poignant tribute to her son, which was read out by Canon Grace Thomas. She fondly remembered him as a “little champ from the day he was born.”

Born with two black eyes due to forceps delivery, the midwife dubbed him a “little fighter”, reports the Mirror.

A montage of Ricky’s most memorable moments both inside and outside the boxing ring was then played to the congregation and crowds, set to Oasis’s ‘Live Forever’.

Ricky’s 13-year-old daughter, Millie, also paid homage, questioning: “Why did you feel that way? Why didn’t you reach out about the way you felt.”

Former Sky Sports boxing commentator Adam Smith also delivered a eulogy, expressing: “I will forever love him, his fights, his friendship, his fun, his adoration of life. What a ride it was There is, there was and only ever will be one Ricky Hatton.”

Earlier, Liam Gallagher, Tyson Fury and Wayne Rooney were spotted arriving at Manchester Cathedral on Friday for the funeral. Hatton, a beloved figure who unified the light-welterweight division and also clinched a world welterweight title, was discovered dead aged 46 at his Hyde residence on September 14.

A funeral procession commenced at 9.45am at the Cheshire Cheese pub – Hatton’s local – and was led by the iconic Reliant Robin van from Only Fools and Horses. Hatton was an avid fan of the show and once purchased one of the original three-wheelers for £4,000.

The cortege made stops at Hatton’s boxing gym and the AO Arena, where he savoured some of his greatest moments, the pinnacle undoubtedly being a victory over the renowned Kostya Tszyu on a boisterous night two decades ago to secure his first world title.

Thousands of mourners lined the streets to honour Hatton, with a private memorial service at the city’s cathedral commencing at midday. Among those present was Oasis lead singer Gallagher, a long-time mate of Hatton who once accompanied him on his ring walk against Paulie Malignaggi in 2008.

The elites of British boxing also showed up, with Fury, Tony Bellew and Frank Bruno, as well as former England cricket captain Andrew Flintoff and ex-Manchester United star Rooney, making their way to the cathedral.

Also among the mourners was Hatton’s former trainer Billy Graham, with whom he was virtually inseparable on his journey from the amateur ranks to the summit of the boxing world.

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