FINAL TRIBUTE: Ricky Hatton’s Trainer Pays Heartfelt Respect To The “Hero” With An Emotional Farewell Ahead Of The Funeral

Ricky Hatton’s former coach has revealed the fighter’s d3ath has left the community reeling. The ex-world champion – known as ‘the Hitman’ during his career – passed away in September aged 46. His body was discovered at his residence in Hyde, Manchester, with an inquest still pending.

His old coach Blain Younis was on BBC Breakfast as the programme honoured the Dancing on Ice personality before his funeral service today (October 10). Younis told of the impact of Hatton’s d3ath, saying that he was “a hero” to the local area, reports the Manchester Evening News.

“People are coming to put flowers down outside the gym and his house and you can just see how it’s hit the town,” he said. “It’s like it’s hit people hard.”

“He was like the hero of Hyde,” he continued. “The mad thing was to the levels he reached in boxing and like celebrity life. He still knew everyone on a personal level around this town.”

BBC Breakfast presenter Charlie Stayt informed audiences that thousands are anticipated to gather along the streets of Greater Manchester to bid a final farewell to Hatton, ahead of his midday funeral service. The cortege will depart from Gee Cross in Hyde, making its way to Manchester Cathedral.

Hatton established a gym for his local community and the procession is scheduled to stop there, allowing supporters to pay their respects. Then as the mourners pass a pub cellar where the Hattons constructed a boxing ring, doves will be set free in tribute to the late sporting icon.

The procession will then head to Manchester Arena, where the champion competed.

Hatton was discovered d3ad on September 14.

His family later honoured him, stating: “He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

“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.

“Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.”