Tyson Fury reveals Ricky Hatton's impact on his career in heartwarming tribute

Tyson Fury has shared an emotional tribute to Ricky Hatton, saying he 'wanted to be just like him', as a young boxing fan.

The former world heavyweight champion said Hatton inspired him and so many other young boxers who have gone on to win titles for the UK.

Boxing legend Hatton passed away on 14 September at the age of 46, and today (10 October) mourners line the streets of Manchester to say a final farewell to the sportsman.

Taking to his Instagram stories, Fury told his followers: "Today's the day of Ricky Hatton's funeral and I'm not going to be alone when I say this: that 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."

Fury recalled going to see Hatton fight for his world title against Kostya Tszyu in Manchester, and being completely awestruck.

"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 Richard Hitman Hatton," he said, adding: "Rest in peace, Rick. See you soon buddy."

Fury also shared a clip of himself running with Bobby Vinton's 'Blue Moon' playing over the top, a song famously associated with Hatton's football team, Manchester City, despite Fury being a Manchester United fan himself.

Tyson Fury was a huge fan of Ricky Hatton from being a young boy (Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Greater Manchester Police announced that Hatton had been found dead in his home in Gee Cross, Manchester, last month, confirming his death was not being treated as suspicious.

The 46-year-old competed as a professional boxer from 1997 to 2012, holding numerous world championships in both the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions.

He had planned to return to the ring in December and was set to face Eisa Al Dah in a middleweight contest in Dubai.

Today, friends and family of the star will gather to pay their respects to the boxing legend, with his funeral procession starting at Cheshire Cheese in Hyde and making its way to Manchester Cathedral in the city centre for the service.

The procession will call at a number of landmarks, including The New Inn at Salford where doves will be released in his honour.

Thousands of mourners are expected to line the procession route to pay their respects to the man who collected millions of fans, both at home in Manchester and around the world, throughout his illustrious career.