BOXING icon Ricky Hatton’s emotional funeral procession has started making its way through Manchester.
Thousands of fans have started lining the streets as ‘The Hitman‘ makes his final journey through his home city today.
ZenpixMourners waved City flags as the cortege passed the pub[/caption]
ReutersA Reliant Regal – as seen in Only Fools and Horses – is at the front of the procession[/caption]
Heartwarming messages on scarves, football kits and boxing gloves have been spotted outside Hatton’s gym in Hyde.
A Reliant Regal – as seen in Only Fools and Horses – is at the front of the procession in honour of Ricky’s extensive memorabilia collection.
The 46-year-old British boxing legend was tragically discovered dead at his home on September 14.
On Wednesday, Ricky’s son Campbell posted a heartbreaking tribute on what would have been his dad’s 47th birthday.
Campbell, who followed in his dad’s footsteps by becoming a pro boxer, told how his father’s death left the family “knocked for six”.
The funeral procession started at 9.45am today, with the cortege beginning outside the Cheshire Cheese pub near his home in Hyde.
Ricky is set to pass his gym and Manchester Arena on his final journey, before reaching Manchester Cathedral at midday.
A memorial service will then take place at the cathedral, with legions of fans set to line the streets outside to show their support.
It will come to an end at the Etihad Stadium – the home of Ricky’s beloved football team, Manchester City.
City paid tribute on the weekend of his passing before their 3-0 win over local rivals United at their home ground.
Flowers have also been laid in Hatton’s usual seat, with a banner raised behind one of the goals reading “The People’s Champion”.
Paul Speak, his manager and close pal, found the boxing star’s body after checking on him when he didn’t show for a boxing event.
Cops were called to his £1.75million mansion in Hyde, Gtr Manchester, just before 7am, with his death not thought to be suspicious.
Ricky was awarded an MBE in 2007 and had worked as a boxing promoter and trainer since hanging up his gloves.
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.
His death came months after he announced his boxing return, with a fight against Eisa Al Dah set to take place in Dubai in December.
Grieving fans spent the day laying flowers outside the boxing icon’s home alongside touching notes to honour the Mancunian legend.
ReutersFans were visibly upset as the procession started this morning[/caption]
ReutersFans were spotted carrying floral tributes for the boxing icon[/caption]
PAThe boxing legend was found dead at his home last month[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
