The funeral of boxing legend Ricky Hatton took place on Friday, with a procession travelling through Manchester streets lined with fans paying their respects
Ricky Hatton’s daughter heartbreakingly asked, “Why didn’t you reach out?” during her tear-jerking eulogy at the boxing legend’s funeral. The former world champion boxer was laid to rest in Manchester on Friday, with thousands lining the streets to pay their respects as a cortege made its way to the cathedral.
On its way, it stopped at several pubs as well as Hatton’s gym and went past Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium – Hatton’s beloved boyhood club. The service at Manchester Cathedral was attended by several famous faces from all walks of life, including Wayne Rooney, Liam Gallagher, Paddy McGuinness and Tyson Fury.
All three of Hatton’s children, 12-year-old Fearne, 24-year-old Campbell, and 13-year-old Millie, delivered their own tributes during the emotional service. It was a particular line from Millie that stood out.
“Why did you feel that way?” She asked, according to the Telegraph. “Why didn’t you reach out about how you felt?”.
Hatton had been open about his mental health struggles throughout the years since retiring from professional boxing. It appeared that he was conquering the fight with the retired boxer planning a comeback, but he was discovered dead at his residence last month, aged just 46.
In her moving tribute, Millie continued: “I can’t help but think about how you will never walk me down the aisle, how you will never meet my children and your grandchildren, how you won’t be here to see me leave school or even see me grow into an adult.”
She added, “I genuinely hope you don’t ever think you have let me down, because I would never think that. I love and miss you unconditionally.”
In his own heartfelt tribute, Campbell stated: “[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.”
After the service, the funeral procession departed from the cathedral and made its way towards the Etihad Stadium, the home ground of his dearly loved Manchester City. Fans once again lined the streets and a tribute was displayed on a large screen.
Outside the cathedral, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told Sky Sports News: “Ricky was a true working class hero and you can tell that by the numbers that are here outside.
“When I was elected mayor, I would turn up and he’d be there at a corner of an event, sometimes a very low-key event.
“He turned up for people – you can’t say that about everybody in life but Ricky turned up for people, and that really matters.
“He’s one of Britain’s best ever fighters. He should be remembered first and foremost for getting to the top of his game and for giving that pride to this place in the country.”