By Chris Slater

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Hundreds of people gathered in Ricky Hatton’s hometown tonight (Sunday) to pay their respects to the boxing icon. Ricky died on Sunday, September 14, aged 46. Raised in Hattersley , ‘The Hitman’ lived in Gee Cross and founded a gym in the centre of Hyde . Ricky launched Hatton Health and Fitness, on Market Street in August 2009, with the facility officially opened by Muhammad Ali . The gym went on to welcome a host of boxing stars for training over the years – including Tyson Fury, David Haye and Audley Harrison. Never miss a story with the MEN’s daily Catch Up newsletter – get it in your inbox by signing up here Hatton Health and Fitness joined the Energie Fitness group 10 years later, but still carries the boxing hero’s name. Flowers and other memorabilia were left outside after the news of his shock death emerged. And the gym tonight held a memorial event in his memory. An estimated 300 people attended the event outside the building. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE A minute’s silence was held before Blue Moon, the anthem of Ricky’s beloved Manchester City , and famously his ring-walk music, was played. Hundreds of balloons, most in the City’s sky colours, and some containing the club badge, were released into the sky. There were chants of ‘there’s only one Ricky Hatton…’ and applause afterwards. Some members of Ricky’s family were said to be present, including his son Campbell, and they were seen overcome with emotion as they embraced each other. On Saturday, members of the Hatton family were present at the Etihad Stadium , where a number of tributes were paid before City’s match against Burnley. Ricky’s two daughters, Millie and Fearne, accompanied by his granddaughter and niece, led both sets of players onto the pitch. A banner was unfurled in the South Stand as other members of his family watched on. The display, organised by fan group 1894, showed Hatton in the ring wearing City branded shorts next to the words ‘The People’s Champion.’ There was also a banner on the third tier of the East Stand reading ‘There’s only one Ricky Hatton’. While a silhouette of Ricky was also shown on the big screens inside as City supporters sang Blue Moon ahead of kick-off. Campbell was seen fighting back tears on the touchline. Ricky’s funeral is due to take place on Friday, October 10, at Manchester Cathedral. Entry to the service is by invitation only, but members of the public will have an opportunity to pay their respects as the funeral cortège makes its way to the cathedral. The Manchester Evening News has joined forces with the Daily Star as as we campaign to continue Ricky’s legacy regarding men’s mental health. Following his death we’re we’re raising funds for Andy’s Man Club and the Campaign Against Living Miserably , two charities that were very close to the former world champion’s heart. You can find out more information and donate HERE.