The world champion boxer died last month aged just 46
21:14, 10 Oct 2025Updated 21:15, 10 Oct 2025
A ceremony was held at Manchester Cathedral(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Ricky Hatton’s teenage daughter reportedly asked ‘why didn’t you reach out’ during a heartbreaking speech at her father’s funeral.
Ricky was found dead at his home last month, aged just 46. The world champion boxer, and father-of-three, was celebrated today by his friends, family and adoring fans.
Thousands took to the streets to watch on as the cortege passed through memorable locations from Ricky’s life, including at the AO Arena and the Etihad Stadium before arriving at Manchester Cathedral.
Famous friends including Wayne Rooney, Liam Gallagher, Paddy McGuinness and Tyson Fury attended to pay their respects. The Mirror reports that 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.
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“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.”
The funeral procession paused at the memorial gardens in Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium(Image: Manchester Evening News)
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.”
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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.
Liam Gallagher among the guests leaving Ricky Hatton’s funeral(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
“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.”