Farewell to Ricky Hatton
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — The city of Manchester is bidding farewell to its boxing hero, Ricky Hatton, who passed away last month at the age of 46. A funeral service took place on Friday at the local cathedral, where supporters gathered in large numbers to pay their respects as the funeral procession journeyed through the streets.
Legacy and Struggles
Hatton, a former world champion, was discovered deceased in his Greater Manchester home, although the official cause of death remains unconfirmed. Friends and family have highlighted his ongoing struggles with mental health issues, shedding light on the personal challenges he faced.
Impact on Fans and Community
On this poignant day of remembrance, it was evident that Hatton held a special place in the hearts of many across Manchester and the wider U.K., capturing the admiration of thousands of devoted fans who often traveled to witness his fights, even in distant venues like Las Vegas.
Memorable Moments
The church where his funeral was held is near the Manchester Arena, where Hatton last fought in 2012 in what was supposed to be a comeback bout against Vyacheslav Senchenko. This event marked his final match before retiring from the sport. However, the arena also hosted Hatton’s triumphant moments, like his historic victory in 2005 for the IBF light welterweight title against Kostya Tszyu, a match that solidified his legacy as one of boxing’s greats. Three years later, he also filled the stadium of his cherished Manchester City for a bout against Juan Lazcano.
Tributes from Fans
Known for his spectacular bouts against legendary fighters such as Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, Hatton’s charisma transformed the Las Vegas Strip into a familiar territory for his loyal supporters. Fans began arriving at the cathedral hours ahead of the service to ensure they could say their final goodbyes to the sporting legend.
