Legendary boxing broadcaster Adam Smith delivered a powerful, touching and heartfelt eulogy to Ricky Hatton on Friday.Smith, who is widely praised as the voice of boxing from his time at Sky Sports and talkSPORT, labelled Hatton ‘a warrior and a legend’ after thousands of fans took to the streets of Manchester to give the British boxing legend a champion’s send-off.GettyHatton’s funeral cortege passed through Manchester on Friday as thousands of fans paid tribute to the legendary British boxer[/caption]Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14 at the age of 46.The news of his tragic passing rocked the sporting world and left those whom he had touched during his iconic career in dismay.Hatton‘s funeral cortege travelled around Manchester on Friday, going from the Cheshire Cheese pub in Hyde to the Manchester Cathedral for a service with family and friends, while also passing the AO Arena and The New Inn, his parents’ old pub.Smith delivered his eulogy shortly after in Manchester Cathedral and has been commended by the public for his powerful and gripping speech that summed up what ‘The Hitman’ meant to so many of those who adored him. Adam Smith’s Ricky Hatton eulogy in full“Richard, Rick, Ricky. More like a Rocky story which led to a roller coaster of fabulous nights, taking a down-to-earth lad from Hyde to Vegas and into the boxing hall of fame,” Smith said.“With those spine-tingling blue moon ring walks and rip-roaring action, Richard Hatton MBE was both a sporting icon and a working-class hero. “Growing up in boxing with the spiky blonde teenager was a pleasure and an absolute riot.“In and out of the house, the gym, the pubs, the clubs, how we rolled with him. He became a member of the Sky Sports family and we really felt part of his. “He never ever turned down an interview or a photo, and his wicked humour made him even more infectious to be around. Ricky Fatton, his love of KFC, not UFC.“15-week training camps, 12-round wars, 12 to 15 pints of Guinness. Once upon a time, Richard was not good enough to play for his beloved Manchester City. He was an absolutely shocking carpet fitter, but boy, could he fight.Hatton’s iconic career is already one of the most celebrated in boxing historyAFPHis crowning moment came when he beat Kostya Tszyu in 2005 to win the IBF world super-lightweight titleGetty - Contributor“Ray and Carol were at boxing shows everywhere, bringing both Richard and Matthew through the toughest of sports.“With our brilliant cameraman Kaney, many an evening we had at the Hatton household. Even when Rick moved out, he’d always chuck us his front door keys. Make a brew, he said, make yourself at home. Nothing was a problem.“Richard was a star young amateur lifting an ABA title amongst many medals, but it was when he turned pro in 1997 that the show really began. “Trainer Billy Graham told us he was the most talented youngster he’d ever seen, and promoter Frank Warren was then to guide him expertly to major honours. “There was Billy’s infamous body belt, along with Bobby Rimmer, Kerry Kayes, Mick Williamson, Paul Speak, of course and support from a cast of fellow fighters.“Stephen Bell, Paul Smith, Matt Macklin and many others, including, of course, his own brother Matthew. Even Jamie Moore and Anthony Farnell always seemed to be near, both [Manchester] United fans and largely in other gyms, but they all loved Ricky.Ricky Hatton's achievements in boxingTitles/AwardsLineal/Ring Magazine Light Welterweight Championship (2005 – 2009, 5 defences) IBF Light Welterweight Title (2005 – 2007, 2 defences) WBA Super Lightweight Title (2005 – 2006, 0 defences) WBA Welterweight Title (2006, 0 defences) British Super Lightweight Title (2000) 2005 Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the YearNotable winsKostya Tszyu RTD11 – June 2005Jose Luis Castillo KO4 – June 2007Paulie Malignaggi TKO11 – November 2008Luis Collazo UD – May 2006Carlos Maussa – KO9 – November 2005Hatton had an impact on so many people’s lives, and Smith’s words put those emotions felt by thousands into perspectiveGetty“Frank and Sky were there from his debut in witness, and I remember him driving me around a few weeks later in an old banger. I asked him if he thought he would ever change when success came. He said Adam, whatever belts I win, just take them all off me if people think I’m too big for my boots.Smith: Hatton’s ‘love of a pint and fry-up meant the nation fell head over heels’“Ricky was at his happiest playing darts down the local with his mates like The Duck. It was his love of a pint and a fry-up which meant the nation fell head over heels. “His popularity simply eclipsed everything, most notably when more than 30,000 descended on Vegas for that huge clash with Floyd Mayweather before we even had social media.“The Hitman’s mix of technical ability, aggression and lethal body shots lit up boxing. Yes, he could get badly cut like in his British title win against Jonathan Thaxton, but this just added to the appeal, and he got out of trouble with those venomous attacks, which meant increasing crowds and huge events. “Ricky turned the Manchester Arena behind us into his fortress, and he united this city. Which other Blue could have had Wayne Rooney carrying the belts?“Liam and Noel [Gallagher] did, half of Corrie wanted to, half of Manchester, you, me, we all prayed, being ringside and for that night after.Hatton’s rivalry with Mayweather was iconic – with the Mancunian’s Army packing out Las Vegas on the nightGetty“Ricky also inspired generations to come. I’ve seen them both here today, Anthony Crolla, Dalton Smith, and others watched as kids high in the stands on Hatton fight nights.“And we all remember the early hours of June 5, 2005, when Ricky dethroned Kostya Tszyu, forcing the pound-for-pound King to retire after 11 pulsating rounds and lifting the world-like welterweight title etched in fighting folklore forever. “Rick promised me he’d be at my wedding the week later, and with Tenerife parties planned, I had my doubts. But of course, he was there, and I’m sure many of you will have similar personal moments and memories looking through all the unprecedented outpouring of love. “An American venture against Luis Collazo gave Ricky world titles in two weights, and after that stunning KO of Jose Luis Castillo, ‘The Hitman was unbeaten in 43 when he met Mayweather in a fight for the ages. “The build-up was insane, the fans drank Vegas dry, but the defeat rained hard on Ricky. Rick felt he’d let you all down, and that breaks my heart because he was an incredible fighter who won 45 times with 32 knockouts on some of the biggest stages.“Ricky took the defeats to Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao hard, and he was open about his mental health struggles. It’s brilliant to see the Ricky Hatton Foundation launched this week.Tributes were paid by Hatton’s beloved Man City following his death, and The Ricky Hatton Foundation has since been foundedGetty“He became a promoter, a trainer and a sensational after-dinner speaker. Rick was so generous in giving of his time to family, to friends, support to charity and guiding young fighters, particularly his own son Campbell, and it is Campbell we think of.“Jennifer’s beloved daughters, Millie and Fern, granddaughter Lila, all the family, Carol, Ray, Matthew, Jenna, and Jack.“We stand by you all today, all of us and going forward. Ricky Hatton’s memory and legacy will live on through each of us.“A warrior and a legend. I know my friend, you never change,d and that’s rare. Ricky was always Ricky, relatable and liked by anyone and everyone. The people’s champion.“I will forever love him, his fights, his friendship, his fun, his adoration of life. We all will. What a ride it was. There is and only ever will be one Ricky Hatton.”Smith’s speech has since touched several members of the boxing world and beyond.Hatton won 45 of the 48 bouts he contested during his illustrious careerAFPFans blown away by Smith’s Ricky Hatton eulogyOne responded on X and wrote: “Have to say that was remarkable. Expertly delivered, and there wasn’t a better man to deliver that. Well done, you did him proud.”Another said: “I didn’t think The Hitman could be summed up in words, but you absolutely nailed it from the heart on the toughest of stages. Done yourself proud there. More importantly, you did Ricky proud.”A third replied: “Best Eulogy I’ve heard. I was at City, it was so emotional seeing Ricky’s coffin, he should still be here.”While others commented: “Wow, absolutely beautiful, Adam. RIP Hatton,” “Beautiful Adam, brought a tear to my eye, RIP Ricky Hatton,” and “Well done Adam! Beautiful Eulogy and for holding it together.”All at talkSPORT send our thoughts and prayers to Hatton’s family and friends at this difficult time.Contact CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) for help and support – their helpline and Webchat is open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org.Details about The Ricky Hatton Foundation can also be found here.