RICKY HATTON’S son, Campbell, wiped away tears as he paid a heartbreaking tribute at his late father’s funeral.
The British boxing legend died at the age of 46 having been found at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14.
ReutersRicky Hatton’s son, Campbell gave a heartbreaking tribute during the funeral procession for his dad[/caption]
ReutersHatton said he ‘looked up’ to his dad in ‘every aspect of life’[/caption]
And four days after what would have been his 47th birthday, Hatton’s funeral procession made its way from Cheshire Cheese pub in his hometown of Hyde to Manchester Cathedral for a service with family and friends.
It passed the AO Arena, where the two-weight champion enjoyed some of his greatest fights, The New Inn, his parents old pub and Manchester City‘s Etihad stadium.
During an emotional service, Campbell Hatton gave a touching eulogy to his dad while fighting back tears.
The 24-year-old 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.”
Mourners at the service included the likes of Tyson Fury, Tony Bellew, Frazier Clarke, Liam Gallagher, Claire Sweeney, Freddie Flintoff and the Rooneys.
The funeral procession started at 9.45am today, and was led by a Reliant Regal – as seen in Only Fools and Horses – in honour of Ricky’s extensive memorabilia collection.
The former world champion was a mega fan of the popular sitcom and once bought one of the original three-wheelers for £4,000.
Ricky’s brother, Matthew, was spotted travelling with the cortege, which was trailed by floral tributes reading ‘Hitman’.
A memorial service took place at the cathedral, with legions of fans lining the streets outside in a show of support.
During his glittering 15-year career, Ricky won four world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweight.
After trading blows with some of history’s greatest fighters, he will be remembered as one of the greatest UK boxers of his generation.
Ricky Hatton’s biggest boxing wins
By Jack Figg
Paulie Malignaggi, November 2008
In his first fight since splitting with long-time trainer Billy Graham, Hatton dominated Malignaggi in one of his best displays of boxing.
Coached by Floyd Mayweather Sr, Hatton would earn a 2009 fight with Manny Pacquiao, which ended in a horrifying KO loss.
Luis Collazo, May 2006
Hatton dropped the veteran American in the opening seconds of round one and looked on course for a demolition job.
But he was taken to the brink over 12 rounds but held on to victory – earning him a super-fight with Floyd Mayweather at welterweight a year later.
Kostya Tszyu, June 2005
Russian-born Aussie Tszyu was behind only Floyd Mayweather in the pound-for-pound rankings when he travelled to Manchester.
And Hatton pulled off a career-best win to stop Tszyu in the 11th round of what was a brutal war. He became light-welterweight world champ.
Eamonn Magee, June 2002
Hatton was dropped by the Irishman and looked to be on the brink of defeat.
But he got to his feet and rallied back to win over 12 rounds – showcasing his trademark grit and determination.
Jon Thaxton, October 2000
Hatton had to overcome a nasty cut – not for the first time in his career – to edge out a points win.
It won him the British light-welterweight title.
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