Ricky Hatton funeral plans announced as fans asked to pay tribute

Ricky Hatton's funeral will be held next month with fans asked to line the streets of Manchester to pay their respects.

Former world champion Hatton was discovered dead at home on September 14 by his long-time manager and friend Paul Speak at the age of 46. Tributes have been flooding in for the former world champion boxer who touched millions with his boxing prowess and candidness about his personal battles.

Hatton's family has now announced a service honouring his life will be held at Manchester Cathedral on Friday, October 10 with fans able to pay their respects as the funeral procession travels towards the cathedra. The proposed route set to be confirmed before the event with entry into the Manchester Cathedral service will be strictly by invitation only.

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In a heartfelt tribute following Ricky's passing, his family stated: "Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply 'Richard', our son. A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many. He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

"To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing's greatest champions - a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.

"He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.

"As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support. It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.

"At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard's legacy - both in boxing and as a man - will continue to live on. Richard's memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly."