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Every star spotted at Ricky Hatton’s funeral as stars pay tribute to the boxing legend

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7 months ago

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Ricky Hatton’s funeral took place in Manchester on Friday, almost a month after his death shocked the city and the sporting community. In an extraordinary farewell, thousands of mourners gathered in the streets as the funeral procession traveled through Manchester, stopping at places that had special significance during his life.

Among those who paid their respects were ex-girlfriend, TV actress Claire Sweeney and Oasis singer Liam Gallagher. Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen, boxers Tyson and Tommy Fury, Elated Mondays’ Shaun Ryder and Mark ‘Bez’ Berry, reality star Calum Best, comedian Paddy McGuinness, former cricket legend Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff and actor Dean Gaffney were also seen on Friday.

The private memorial service began at noon following the arrival of Hatton’s funeral procession, led by the iconic Reliant van from Only Fools and Horses. The former world boxing champion was an avid fan of the comedy series Del Boy and Rodney.

Hatton had previously purchased one of the original tricycles for £4,000 which he could ride around his beloved hometown. Also arriving at the cathedral were boxers Frazer Clarke and Natasha Jonas, former boxers Amir Khan, Scott Welch, Frank Bruno, Barry McGuigan and Anthony Crolla, former Manchester City player Mike Summerbee, pundit and former footballer Chris Kamara and Hatton’s previous coach, Billy Graham.

Tributes have poured in from across the sporting world and beyond following the boxing legend’s death at the age of 46 at his residence in Hyde, Greater Manchester on September 14. Outside the cathedral, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham told Sky Sports News: “Ricky was a real working-class hero and that is clear from the numbers outside.

LIVE: Coverage of the funeral of boxing legend Ricky Hatton

“When I was elected mayor, I would show up and he would be on the corner of an event, sometimes a very low-key one. He would show up for the people – you can’t say that about everyone in life, but Ricky showed up for the people, and that really matters.”

“He is one of the greatest British players ever. He should be remembered above all for rising to the top and making this place in the country proud.”

As mourners gathered, a brass band performed Winter Wonderland, associated with his supporters’ chant of “There’s Only One Ricky Hatton,” which echoed throughout the numerous arenas in which he participated. When the funeral procession arrived, the hundreds of people outside erupted in applause.

There were repeated shouts of “Come on, Ricky” and people chanting: “There’s only one Ricky Hatton.” On their way to the memorial service, the cortege stopped at the Cheshire Cheese pub – Hatton’s venue – on Stockport Road, Hyde, and were greeted with applause from mourners before leaving at 9.45am.

The procession continued to the Harehill Tavern before pigeons were released in Hatton’s honor at The Fresh Inn. The touching moment took place at Hatton’s Gym, where emotional fans sang and took photos.

Supporters gathered around the cathedral in anticipation of the service. Photos of the stars who came to pay their respects can be viewed here.

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UK Boxing

Details on the date and number of Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fights made available

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50 minutes ago

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April 28, 2026

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Tyson Fury’s promoter Frank Warren believes his fight with Anthony Joshua will break records, but he also revealed that the two fighters are only expected to step in the ring together once.

The two British boxing heroes will finally clash later this year, with the fight expected to take place in the UK around October. Warren showed up Sun‘s Corner Talk show to discuss the blockbuster fight and believes it’s only six months away. He said: “Tyson signed the contract a few months ago. He’s registered and ready to go. We thought AJ had signed the contract but he didn’t. But now we’ve been told he has.

“I would be thinking about October because it’s starting to get too frosty to build a football stadium in the UK.

“I think it will be a huge fight because of the fighters involved, the money they generate and how long people have been waiting for it.”

Warren predicted that the fight would likely take place at Wembley Stadium and would break box office records for any fight. He added: “I think it will be a gigantic, gigantic fight and it may turn out to be the biggest one.

“Wembley’s biggest gate right now is Tyson and Dillian Whyte, who have broken every box office record for any type of event.

“There is a lot of demand for this one, so if it goes to Wembley I will be surprised if it doesn’t break the record.”

The promoter also confirmed that Fury vs. Joshua is a one-fight deal at the moment, but things could change depending on the outcome. He said: “I have no idea what AJ is getting. We thought he had signed a contract and that we would announce the fight after Tyson’s last fight in the ring in Tottenham. But it turns out he hasn’t actually signed a contract.

“But now his warm-up has been announced, I’m sure everything is signed. And I’m sure there won’t be any slip-up.

“Right now it’s a one-fight deal.”

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UK Boxing

Anthony Joshua had “no intention” of fighting Deontay Wilder

Published

5 hours ago

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April 28, 2026

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Joshua and Fury have signed a contract to fight. Photo: Mark Robinson

Eddie Hearn did not contact Deontay Wilder about fighting Anthony Joshua after signing a contract to fight Tyson Fury, his manager Shelly Finkel claims.

There has been speculation that Joshua could return against Wilder before he faces Fury.

Instead, the 36-year-old will return to the ring on July 25 against Kristian Prengi, before facing Fury in November.

Wilder called out longtime rival “AJ” after his victory over Derek Chisora ​​earlier this month.

The pair have been linked to a clash since both men held world heavyweight titles in 2018, and Finkel believes Joshua had no interest in fighting the “Bronze Bomber.”

“You can’t be disappointed with something that never happened,” Finkel said Heavenly sports.

“Eddie never contacted us and Joshua obviously had no intention of fighting Deontay Wilder.

“Same antique story, just modern date.”

Joshua and Wilder were scheduled to fight in March 2024, but the American was defeated by Joseph Parker in December 2023.

Joshua and Fury have signed a contract to fight. Photo: Mark Robinson

“AJ” will fight for the first time since he knocked out Jake Paul in the sixth round in December.

Ten days later, the two-time world heavyweight champion was involved in a tragic car accident that killed two of his close friends and left him with minor injuries.

Saudi Arabian boxing boss Turki Alalshikh announced that Joshua and Fury have signed a contract for their mega fight in a post on the website X on Monday, which read: “To my friends in the UK – it’s happening. This is signed.

Moments later, Joshua’s return was announced against unknown Albanian Prengi.

“It’s no secret that I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready to get back into the ring, and today is the next step in that journey,” Joshua said.

“I am delighted to have agreed to a multi-fight contract starting on July 25 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Deontay Wilder defeated Derek Chisora ​​by split decision at the O2 Arena Photo: MF Pro/David Cavan
Deontay Wilder defeated Derek Chisora ​​by split decision at the O2 Arena Photo: MF Pro/David Cavan

“I’m looking forward to competing and continuing where I left off.

“Like I said. The landlord will collect rent. That’s for sure.”

Fury defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov on points in his return to the ring following his retirement earlier this year.

“The Gypsy King” called “AJ”, who was watching the gala from the side of the ring, and declared that he would retire again if the fight with his rival did not take place.

However, his manager Spencer Brown revealed that he may fight again ahead of his fight with Joshua.

The post Anthony Joshua “had no intention” of fighting Deontay Wilder appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

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UK Boxing

Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani – Odds and Betting Guide

Published

9 hours ago

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April 28, 2026

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Inoue said goodbye to Picasso in December. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Naoya Inoue is the hefty favorite to defeat Junto Nakatani in an undisputed title clash on Saturday.

Inoue defends all four of his super bantamweight world titles in a huge all-Japan fight against Nakatani at the Tokyo Dome, live on DAZN.

Inoue, a top-three top-ranked pound-for-pound leader, is a 1/4 favorite Bet365 emerge victorious and inflict his first professional defeat on his rival.

“The Monster” has stopped 27 of his 32 opponents and is expected to stop Nakatani 11/10.

The undefeated 33-year-old has gone the distance in his last two outings and is valued at 7/4 for a third straight decision win.

Inoue said goodbye to Picasso in December. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

Nakatani is also a star fighting for world champion titles in the fourth weight category.

The 28-year-old southpap is a 3/1 underdog to cause a seismic shock.

“Substantial Bang” has won five of his last six fights at the distance, and he sees his best chance of winning after a stoppage at 6/1.

Nakatani defeated Sebastian Hernandez Reyes on points from Inoue’s undercard defeated Alan David Picasso in Saudi Arabia in December, and a decision victory is valued at 10/1.

Nakatani looks like a four-weight world champion. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Nakatani looks like a four-weight world champion. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Full Bet365 odds
The result of the fight
  • Naoya Inoue will win the fight: 1/4
  • Naoya Inoue by KO/TKO/DQ: 11/10
  • Naoya Inoue by decision or technical decision: 7/4
  • Junto Nakatani will win the fight: 3/1
  • Junto Nakatani by KO/TKO/DQ: 6/1
  • Total cut by decision or technical decision: 10/10
  • Draw or technical draw: 14/1
Round bets

Naoya Inoue

  • To win round 1: 80/1
  • Win in round 2: 50/1
  • To win in round 3: 33/1
  • To win in round 4: 25/1
  • To win in round 5: 20/1
  • To win in round 6: 16/1
  • To win in round 7: 14/1
  • Win in round 8: 12/12
  • To win in round 9: 1/12
  • To win in round 10: 12/12
  • To win in round 11: 14/1
  • To win in round 12: 16/1
  • Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 7/4

Junto Nakatani

  • Win in round 1: 100/1
  • Win in round 2: 100/1
  • Win in round 3: 100/1
  • To win in round 4: 80/1
  • Win in round 5: 66/1
  • Win in round 6: 50/1
  • Win in round 7: 50/1
  • To win in round 8: 40/1
  • To win in round 9: 40/1
  • To win in round 10: 40/1
  • To win in round 11: 50/1
  • To win in round 12: 50/1
  • Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 10/10

The post Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani – Odds and Betting Guide appeared first on ProBoxing-Fans.com.

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