On July 9, 2023, five‑year‑old Harley Hatton posted a trembling Instagram note that asked boxing fans to stay away from his late father’s funeral. The message, shared on the verified account of his grandfather Ricky Hatton, read, “Please don’t come to the funeral. It’s too much for me. I just want to say goodbye to my daddy in peace.” The funeral was slated for St. Mary’s Church in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on July 11 at 1 p.m.
Background: The Hatton Boxing Legacy
Ricky Hatton, the former two‑weight world champion, grew up in Hattersley, Tameside, before turning his name into a brand that still resonates in British boxing. In 2009 he founded Hatton Promotions Ltd, a company that has signed dozens of regional prospects. His son, Ricky Hatton II, followed the family trade, fighting three professional bouts between 2018 and 2019 before a heart condition forced early retirement.
Tragic Loss of Ricky Hatton II
On at 10:47 a.m., emergency crews responded to a 999 call from his partner, Melissa, at their Hyde residence (47 Park Road). The paramedics found Ricky Hatton II unresponsive and pronounced him dead at 11:23 a.m. The Tameside Coroner’s Court opened an inquest on June 26, with Senior Coroner Joanne Kearsley noting that early toxicology reports found no substances contributing to his death. The final cause was later identified as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition diagnosed after a 2019 collapse during a sparring session at The Hatton Gym.
Harley's Plea and Public Reaction
The Instagram post, accompanied by a photo of Harley holding his father’s hand, quickly went viral. Within 12 hours, it amassed 112,487 shares, and the hashtag #RespectHarleysWish trended at number 3 on UK‑based X (formerly Twitter). Fans flooded the comments, many expressing empathy while others urged “respect for the family.” Boxing’s governing body, the British Boxing Board of Control, issued a statement through Chairman Robert Smith on July 10, urging supporters to honor Harley’s request.
Security Measures and Funeral Arrangements
To enforce the family’s wishes, Greater Manchester Police launched Operation Guardian, erecting a 200‑metre exclusion zone around St. Mary’s Church. A contingent of 35 officers, supported by Close Protection UK Ltd, managed traffic and kept curious onlookers at bay. The undertakers, Co‑op Funeralcare Hyde, limited floral tributes to white lilies and roses, respecting the Hattons’ preference for a low‑key service. Harley was escorted to the ceremony by his great‑grandmother Patricia Hatton and a security detail, ensuring he could say goodbye without media intrusion.
Legacy Initiative: The Ricky Hatton II Foundation
Just days before the funeral, the family announced the creation of the Ricky Hatton II Foundation, a registered charity (no. 1204832). An initial endowment of £250,000, funded by Hatton Promotions Ltd, will underwrite cardiac screening programmes for young athletes at twelve boxing clubs across Greater Manchester. The first screenings are set for October 2, 2023 at Hyde ABC Boxing Club, a direct response to the tragedy that claimed Ricky Hatton II’s life.
What Comes Next?
A private memorial for the boxing community is scheduled for at 2 p.m. in The Hatton Gym. Attendance will be restricted to credentialed members of the British Boxing Board of Control. Meanwhile, Harley—still too young to fully grasp the loss—will continue to be cared for by his mother Melissa and the extended Hatton family. The public’s respect for his simple request may set a precedent for how fans handle grief in the age of social media.
- July 9 2023 – Harley’s Instagram plea goes live.
- July 11 2023 – Funeral held at St. Mary’s Church, Hyde.
- July 16 2023 – British Boxing Board of Control issues privacy statement.
- September 16 2023 – Private boxing‑community memorial at The Hatton Gym.
- October 2 2023 – First cardiac screenings by the Ricky Hatton II Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Harley Hatton ask fans to stay away from the funeral?
Harley was only five when his father died. He told his grandfather that a crowd would be overwhelming and that he simply wanted a quiet moment to say goodbye. The family respected his wishes, fearing that a large public presence could intensify his trauma.
What security measures were taken for the funeral?
Greater Manchester Police set up a 200‑metre exclusion zone around St. Mary’s Church, deployed 35 officers, and used Close Protection UK Ltd to escort Harley. The venue’s entry points were guarded, and a traffic‑control plan kept vehicles away from the ceremony.
How is the family honoring Ricky Hatton II’s memory?
Besides the private funeral, the Hattons launched the Ricky Hatton II Foundation, funding cardiac screenings for young athletes. A private memorial at The Hatton Gym will also bring together boxing peers to celebrate his life.
What role did the British Boxing Board of Control play?
Chairman Robert Smith issued a formal appeal urging fans to respect the family’s privacy. The Board also limited attendance at the upcoming September memorial to credentialed members only.
When will the cardiac‑screening programme start?
The first screenings will commence on at Hyde ABC Boxing Club, with plans to roll out to ten additional clubs across Greater Manchester over the next year.
