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.
Jaron Ennis is the bookmakers’ main favorite to defeat Xander Zayas in their highly anticipated world title clash on Saturday in Brooklyn.
Ennis challenges Zayas for the WBO and WBA super welterweight belts at the Barclays Center live on DAZN pay-per-view.
The undefeated resident of Philadelphia enters the game as the favorite on February 11 Bet365 give the 23-year-old his first professional defeat and become world champion in two weight categories.
“Boots” has stopped 31 of his 35 opponents, including Uisma Lima in his 154-pound debut in October, and is expected to stop the Puerto Rican on 20/21.
The 28-year-old last covered this distance in 2024, and a decision victory is valued at 13/2.
Zayas and Ennis face to face before the clash. Photo: Matchroom Boxing
Even though Zayas has taken over as unified champion, he is an underdog Bet365 at 15/04.
Man from San Juan defeated Abass Baraou by split decision will add the WBA belt to his WBO crown in January and his best chance of victory is rated at 13/2 by decision, while success in the shock break is rated at 14/1.
Jaron Ennis knocked out Uisma Lima in the first round in Philadelphia. Photo: Emma Brawley/Matchroom Boxing
Full Bet365 odds
The result of the fight
Xander Zayas will win the fight: 15/4
Xander Zayas by KO/TKO/DQ: 14/1
Xander Zayas by decision or technical decision: 13/2
Jaron Ennis will win the fight: 11/02
Jaron Ennis by KO/TKO/DQ: 20/21
Jaron Ennis by decision or technical: 8/5
Draw or technical draw: 14/1
Round bets
Xander Zayas
Win in round 1: 100/1
Win in round 2: 100/1
Win in round 3: 100/1
Win in round 4: 100/1
Win in round 5: 100/1
To win in round 6: 100/1
To win in round 7: 80/1
To win in round 8: 80/1
To win round 9: 66/1
To win in round 10: 66/1
To win round 11: 66/1
To win in round 12: 80/1
To win by decision or technical decision: 6/1
Zayas won by points decision over Abass Baraou. Source: Mikey Williams / top position
Jaron Ennis
To win round 1: 80/1
Win in round 2: 50/1
Win in round 3: 40/1
To win in round 4: 28/1
To win in round 5: 20/1
To win in round 6: 16/1
Win in round 7: 12/12
To win in round 8: 1/11
To win in round 9: 10/1
To win in round 10: 10/1
To win in round 11: 10/1
To win in round 12: 1/11
Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 7/4
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On Wednesday, Lewis Crocker heads to Australia to defend his IBF welterweight world title against Liam Paro for the first time.
Crocker will face Paro at the Pat Rafter Arena in Queensland, live on DAZN in the UK and Kayo Sports in Australia.
Crocker (22-0, 11 KO) became world champion in September, defeating Paddy Donovan twice before winning the rematch by split decision.
Man from Belfast recorded his second victory over Donovan after the first victory in March last year, and his rival was disqualified for hitting him after the bell.
Paro (27-1, 16 KO) is trying to become a world champion in two weight categories, having previously reigned in the super-lightweight division.
In September, Donovan was beaten a second time by Crocker. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
The 30-year-old won the title with a unanimous decision victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico before winning the belt in his first defense against Richardson Hitchins.
The Australian has since won twice, overtaking David Papot in his last appearance in September.
Paro looks like a two-time IBF champion. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom
McKean meets Taliva
Heavyweight Demsey McKean will look to continue his rebuild when he faces Liam Talivaa for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific title.
McKean (24-2, 16 KO) had his career cut miniature after a last-round loss to Filip Hrgovic, followed by a brutal first-round loss to Moses Itauma.
The 35-year-old southpaw returned to winning ways with back-to-back stoppage victories.
Talivaa (8-2, 4 KO) last won the IBF Oceania-Orient title, defeating Faiga Opelu by first-round stoppage.
Undercard remaining
At cruiserweight, Luke Modini (13-0, 11 KO) will likely need distance to beat Peng Qu (17-2-1, 12 KO), while Riley Candy (8-1, 5 KO) could stop Nathan Watson (11-3, 3 KO) at super middleweight.
Vegas Larfield (13-1, 9 KO) can hand Shamal Ram Anuj (11-8, 8 KO) his fourth defeat in a row in a featherweight clash.
Heavyweight Nelson Asofa-Solomon (2-0, 2 KO) can secure a third straight knockout over debutant George Burgess, and Stevan Ivic (8-0-1, 2 KO) can do the same against Caleb Tialu (3-7, 3 KO), also a heavyweight.
Prospective super welterweight fighter Jack Javed (1-0) should overtake Lance McDonald (1-5-1, 1 KO).
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