RICKY Hatton’s ex-girlfriend Claire Sweeney has paid a heartwarming tribute to the boxing icon.
The soap actress, 54, who had been friends with Ricky for years, started dating him in secret for eight months last year.
InstagramThe pair enjoyed some sweet moments together during their time as a couple[/caption]
InstagramClaire and Ricky both starred on Dancing on Ice together last year[/caption]
InstagramClaire penned a touching message for the former world champion[/caption]
InstagramClaire Sweeney has paid tribute to her former boyfriend and ‘dear friend’ Ricky Hatton[/caption]
The 46-year-old was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
It was revealed earlier today that Ricky was discovered by his long-term manager and close pal Paul Speak.
Since his death, tributes flooded in from all over the world for fan favourite and working class hero Ricky.
And now, Ricky’s former partner and soap legend Claire has penned a touching message for the former world champion.
In a post on social media, she 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.”
Hatton and Coronation Street star Claire appeared on Dancing On Ice together and began secretly dating after the show.
A source said in 2024: “They became friends on Dancing On Ice and really hit it off.
“It’s since become romantic and they’ve enjoyed a few dates. It’s early days but they’ve got a spark and have been having a great time.”
He was the first off the ITV show but stayed in touch with Claire, who got to week three.
Hatton and Claire had been friends for 25 years before things became romantic after they both appeared on the show.
The couple initially dated in secret and enjoyed a holiday to Tenerife together before going public with their romance.
Claire only recently posted a comment on social media backing the boxer ahead of his scheduled ring comeback, saying it was “brilliant”.
The soap star was seen cutting a solemn figure as she pulled her luggage through a rail station concourse yesterday.
Claire, who attended the National Television Awards last week, was pictured with two cases as she made her way onto a train alone.
Hatton, who was awarded an MBE, had worked as a boxing promoter and trainer since hanging up his gloves.
He appeared on the TV show Dancing on Ice last year – where Sweeney also competed.
The pair began dating in secret for eight months, but it wasn’t to last, with Claire saying: “We’re still friends, we were friends.
“We dated and now we’re friends again. It’s all good.”
Cops said they were called by a member of the public to attend the scene at 6.45am, where they “found the body of a 46-year-old man.”
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it did not believe there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding Ricky’s death.
Boxing pundit Steve Bunce revealed earlier today Paul Speak went to Ricky’s home after he failed to show at an event on Saturday night.
GettyHatton and Sweeney at the Co-op Live official welcome ceremony in 2024[/caption]
The pair pose together at the Sedulo Colour Ball 2024
instagramThe couple initially dated in secret and enjoyed a holiday to Tenerife together before going public with their romance[/caption]
Speaking to 5Live, Bunce said: “On the Saturday night, Ricky hadn’t gone to a boxing show.
“Speaky had found out Sunday morning. Speaky went round and let himself into the house.
“In fact it was Paul Speak who found his great friend and the people’s champion Ricky Hatton.
“Speaky deserves a little bit of love. You can’t even begin to imagine.
“It’s a 25-year relationship they’ve had as his commercial and business manager, but more than that it’s his close friend. It’s his confidant.
“I can’t think of another relationship like it in sport to be perfectly honest. So Speaky was the one that found him.”
Pictures taken on Sunday showed Paul looking visibly upset as he inspected floral tributes left outside Ricky’s home.
Former champ Amir Khan, who is from nearby Bolton, credits pal Ricky as being a major inspiration.
He said: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.”
The tragedy came just five days after Ricky sent a heartfelt message to a bullying victim — urging the boy to “keep your chin up”.
He told the youngster, called Louie, to keep going to boxing training to gain confidence.
Ricky tells him: “I believe you’ve been having a tough time at school by a couple of bullies. Even I had a bully when I was at school.
PAPaul became concerned after the icon didn’t show to an event on Saturday night[/caption]
GettyRicky in action during his final professional bout in 2012[/caption]
“You’ve done the right thing taking up boxing, not to get your own back and beat him up, but boxing gives you confidence, doesn’t it?
“And the minute these bullies see you’ve got a little bit of confidence, they’ll leave you alone.”
Ricky’s death also comes months after he announced his return to boxing with a fight against Eisa Al Dah planned in Dubai in December.
He won world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweight and traded blows with some of history’s greatest fighters.
During a glittering 15-year career, he beat ring greats such as Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo.
He went on to suffer knockout losses to superstars Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009.
He will be remembered as one of the greatest UK fighters of his generation.
Ricky was awarded an MBE in 2007 and had worked as a boxing promoter and trainer since hanging up his gloves.
The larger than life character also appeared on the TV show Dancing on Ice last year.
Yesterday, Ricky’s family shared a heartbreaking tribute to the boxer.
The touching statement, released through Greater Manchester Police, praised him for having “a heart as big as his smile”.
They said: “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.”
Ricky won 45 of his 48 fights throughout his stellar career.
He was also a major advocate for boxers’ mental health, and bravely shared his own struggles after his retirement from the sport in 2012.
Manchester City and Manchester United paid tribute by holding a minute’s applause ahead of their game on Sunday.
Both sets of players wore black armbands to honour the legendary boxer, who was a City fan, following his death.
Ricky had failed to attend a fight on Saturday night
@SpeakPaulIt has been revealed that Ricky was discovered by his long-term manager Paul Speak[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
