Claire Sweeney pays tribute to ex-boyfriend Ricky Hatton following his death
Ricky Hatton's ex-girlfriend Claire Sweeney has paid tribute to the boxer - two days after his death.
Claire Sweeney "adored and cherished" her late ex-boyfriend Ricky Hatton.
The boxer was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Sunday (14.09.25) at the age of 46 by his long-term manager, Paul Speak, who was concerned after his friend did not show up at a boxing event in Bolton on Saturday night (13.09.25) and let himself into the star's house the following morning.
Now Ricky's former partner Claire - who first met the late boxing legend in La Manga in the early 2000s, but struck up a romantic relationship with him after they did ITV's Dancing on Ice together in 2024 - took to Instagram on Tuesday (16.09.25) to pay tribute to him.
Captioning a video slideshow of her and Ricky spending time with each other over the years, Claire - who remained on good terms with the fighter following their split later in 2024 - wrote: "I’ve needed a few days to process the devastating news about my dear friend Ricky.
"My thoughts are with his family, especially his children Campbell, Millie Fearne and Lyla, his granddaughter.
"To them, Speaky, and to all his friends who loved him so deeply and for so many years, I send you my deepest sympathy.
"Ricky, you were the people’s champ. We adored and cherished you.
"Love you always. (sic)"
After Claire, 54, and Ricky fell in love whilst they did Dancing on Ice in January 2024, the pair went public with their relationship several months later.
However, the Coronation Street actress went their separate ways after an eight-month relationship because they "decided they're better off as pals".
Claire told MailOnline at the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical in December 2024: "I'm great - we're still friends, we were friends, we dated, and now we're friends again. It's all good!"
The news of Ricky's death sparked an outpouring of tributes, including from 52-year-old Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher - who declared he was "absolutely devastated" by his pal's death - former footballer Sir David Beckham, 50, and 46-year-old boxing great Manny Pacquiao.
On Monday (15.09.25), his family released a statement through Greater Manchester Police remembering the sports star's "kindness, humour and loyalty".
The statement read: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard.
"Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us, he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many.
"He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
"To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.
"He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from."
They went on to share that they have been touched by the outpouring of love and support from fans since the tragic news broke on Sunday.
The statement added: "As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.
"It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.
"At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy - both in boxing and as a man - will continue to live on.
"Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.
"With love and gratitude, The Hatton Family."
