Farewell to the people's champion': Manchester says emotional goodbye to boxer Ricky Hatton

"Tens of thousands lined the streets of Manchester on Friday to pay tribute to Ricky Hatton, the former world champion boxer who died last month aged 46. Hatton was one of the most respected and adored sportsmen of his generation, able to tempt thousands of fans across the Atlantic to America for his fights against the likes of legendary boxers Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao."

"His funeral cortege wound its way through Manchester, with a sea of mourners clapping loudly at every stop and turn on its two-hour route. The procession began at the Cheshire Cheese in Hyde, his favourite pub where he was a regular and a stone's throw away from his home, before continuing through the area towards Manchester Cathedral. Along the way it also stopped at sites such as the Harehill Tavern, another favourite of Hatton's, as well as Hatton's gym."

"Once the procession reached Manchester Cathedral, Hatton's coffin was led into the building carried by family and friends, including his brother, Matthew Hatton, and son, Campbell Hatton, both also boxers, and Paul Speak, who managed the Hitman throughout his career. One of Manchester's favourite sons, many famous faces associated with the city attended the service, including the Oasis frontman and fellow Manchester City supporter, Liam Gallagher, who, along with brother Noel, had carried Hatton's championship belts into the ring"

Ricky Hatton died at home on 14 September at age 46, prompting widespread mourning. Tens of thousands lined Manchester streets for a two-hour funeral cortege that began at the Cheshire Cheese in Hyde and passed favourite stops such as the Harehill Tavern and Hatton's gym before reaching Manchester Cathedral. Hatton's coffin was carried into the cathedral by family and friends, including brother Matthew Hatton, son Campbell Hatton, and manager Paul Speak. Prominent musicians and sports figures including Liam and Noel Gallagher, Shaun Ryder, Wayne Rooney, Tyson Fury, Amir Khan and Anthony Crolla attended the service, reflecting Hatton's popularity and international boxing legacy.

Read at www.theguardian.com