Tyson Fury has issued a tribute to Ricky Hatton, revealed the huge impact the boxing legend had on his own career.
Former two-weight world champion Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester on September 14.
Known to fans as the 'Hitman', Hatton was one of Britain's most popular fighters, and that was demonstrated in 2007 when 30,000 Britons descended on Las Vegas for his fight with Floyd Mayweather.
Mourners will have their final chance to pay respects on Friday October 10 when Hatton's funeral takes place. Among the first to issue a tribute was former heavyweight champion Fury.
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Fury said: "Today is the day of Ricky Hatton's funeral and I'm not going to be alone here when I say this, but Ricky inspired me as a young boy to go on and do great things in boxing.
"I wanted to be just like him: the ring walks, the flashy shorts, the fans, the chanting."
The Gypsy King added: "When I was a little kid, he was fighting for his world title in Manchester and I was there along with a lot of kids to watch a fight by Ricky.
"So without Ricky Hatton, Manchester wouldn't have had, the north-west wouldn't have had, the UK wouldn't have had so many boxing world champions inspired by the great Hitman Hatton.
"Rest in peace Rick, see you soon buddy."
Fury, a Manchester United fan, also posted a short video of himself running to Bobby Vinton's Blue Moon, a song closely associated to Hatton's beloved Manchester City.
The 37-year-old had previously shared an emotional tribute message shortly after news of Hatton's death emerged.
He wrote: "RIP to the legend. May he rest in peace. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. I can't believe this, he was so young."
When is Ricky Hatton's funeral?
Hatton's funeral procession began at 09:45 on Friday at the Cheshire Cheese pub on Stockport Road in Hyde.
It will then make its way into the city centre, with the ,main service to be held at midday in Manchester Cathedral.
Mourners will then head to the Etihad Stadium, the home of Manchester City to continue paying their respects
City flags were flown outside the pub where the cortege began its journey as mourners celebrated the life of one of Manchester's greatest sportsmen.
Tributes to Ricky Hatton
Ricky Hatton's son Campbell uploaded to his Instagram story on Thursday, posting a photo of himself alongside to his father.
He later reshared a video posted by the Ricky Hatton foundation, which read: "He gave us everything — in every fight, every moment, every smile.
"Ricky lived with heart, courage, and the same fire that made millions of people love him.
"Tomorrow, we say our final goodbye. But his spirit, his laughter, and his legacy will live forever."
Topics: Boxing, Boxing News, Ricky Hatton, Tyson Fury
James Taylor