'Ricky Hatton was trailblazer in the boxing ring and life'

Former world champion Ricky Hatton has been described by his manager and close friend as a "trailblazer in the boxing ring and in life".

Hatton, whose passion, personality and skills drew huge crowds throughout his career, was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on 14 September at the age of 46.

Mourners will gather later for his funeral service at Manchester Cathedral.

"He's going to be sadly missed by me... the nation's going to miss him," said Paul Speak, who managed the fighter known as The Hitman from the beginning of his career in the ring.

Referencing the song often loudly roared by fans, Mr Speak said: "There is only one Ricky Hatton."

The Stockport-born boxer won world titles in both the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions.

He quickly rose through the amateur and domestic ranks to pit his wits against the elite fighters of his generation, including Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao.

"In some respects he was a trailblazer in the boxing ring and I think he's been a trailblazer in life," said Mr Speak.

"He's helped so many - I know personally of people that he's helped and he's literally saved their lives."

When the BBC visited Hatton Boxing in Hyde, there was no shortage of people wanting to pay tribute to him.

"He was like the hero of Hyde and everyone will tell you that," said friend and trainer Blain Younis.

"We all grew up wanting to be Ricky Hatton.

"So then, in the end, it was mad that the guy that I grew up wanting to be became a friend."

Another of Hatton's friends, a trainer called Lee Beard, suggested there should be a statue of the boxer erected in the town.

"He's had a massive impact on people and not just in boxing, in his local area," said Mr Beard.

Ahead of the funeral, Hatton's family has shared a route for fans and community members wishing to pay their respects.

The procession will begin at the Cheshire Cheese pub on Stockport Road in Hyde and make its way approximately 10 miles (16km) to Manchester Cathedral.

Mourners will then be able to head to Etihad Stadium, home of Hatton's beloved Manchester City Football Club, after the funeral.

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