WATCH: Hundreds gather at Ricky Hatton memorial event in Hyde

Hundreds of mourners gathered at Hatton Health and Fitness in Hyde on Sunday evening to pay tribute to beloved boxing legend Ricky Hatton, just two weeks after his sudden death at the age of 46.

The gym, which Hatton founded in 2009 and was famously opened by Muhammad Ali, became the heart of a poignant memorial event that drew fans, friends, and fellow boxers from across the country. The tribute included a minute’s silence and a balloon release, with attendees bringing blue and white biodegradable balloons.

Among those present was Hatton’s son, Campbell Hatton, himself a rising star in the boxing world. Standing alongside family members and close friends, Ricky's Assistant Boxing Coach Blain Younis led tributes, calling Hatton "the hero of our town."

Blain said: "He's probably the biggest name to come out of this town and everyone was right behind him in his boxing career. He represented this town with pride, he loved it. He was a man of the people. I don't think I've ever known of a celebrity that was so accessible to us people on the ground but literally everybody in this town knew him personally.

"When you see someone so famous people pass, you'll see pictures of them all over social media but the pictures you've seen this time, are with him. Everybody had a story and I think that showed today with everyone turning up and showing their love for him.

"Some of the family were here as well so it was always going to be emotional. I was trying not to look at everyone because I could see the emotion, I could feel it."

In a statement shared ahead of the memorial, the gym described Hatton as “much more than a world-class fighter and an exceptional trainer. He was a remarkable person who inspired countless individuals. His influence reached far beyond Hyde and the local community, touching the lives of millions around the world.”

Hatton’s legacy, both inside and outside the ring, continues to resonate deeply. Sunday’s memorial was not just a farewell, but a celebration of a life that inspired and uplifted countless others.

Ricky's funeral will be held at midday on 10th October 2025 at Manchester Cathedral.