By Amy Denman,Lucy Needham,Mathew Davies

Copyright walesonline

Ricky Hatton ‘s former girlfriend Claire Sweeney described him as ‘the people’s champ’ as she broke her silence for the first time following his death. News of Ricky’s passing shocked supporters on Sunday , with the star discovered dead at his home at the age of 46. Greater Manchester Police confirmed a body had been found at Hatton’s address and that the death was not being treated as suspicious. Supporters, celebrity followers and Ricky’s colleagues in the industry expressed their condolences in an outpouring of tributes to pay their respects to the much-loved sportsman. Ricky’s ex-partner Claire has now shared her own tribute as she disclosed she needed time to come to terms with her loss. Writing on Instagram Claire said: “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.” Claire paired her words with a collection of videos and photographs from her time with Ricky, set to the Elvis track ‘If I can dream. ‘ Friends of the soap star extended their condolences, reports the Mirror . Catherine Tyldesley, known for her role as Eva Price in Coronation Street, penned: “I’m so deeply sorry my love. A true legend gone too soon. God bless and love to him and his family/friends. Love you xx.” Meanwhile, former EastEnders actress Rita Simons responded with a simple red heart emoji. Ricky and Claire, who had been friends for over 20 years, became romantically involved after both participating in the 2024 series of Dancing on Ice. Claire expressed her affection for Ricky at the time, saying: “I’ve known him for 25 years or so, we kind of always passed each other during events…. Do you know what? He makes me laugh, that’s it.” Ricky described their transition from friends to lovers as a ‘great story’. The couple appeared to be a perfect match, spotted enjoying cosy pub dates, holidays in Mallorca and even a double date with Ricky’s former skating partner Robin Johnstone and her husband Andy Buchanan. Unfortunately, their romance was short-lived, with reports emerging in December 2024 that they had ended their relationship after eight months together. Speaking about their relationship post-split, Claire said: “We’re still friends. We were friends, we dated then we’re friends again. It’s all good.” Claire’s post follows the revelation by Ricky’s long-time manager that he discovered Ricky’s body at the boxer’s home after growing concerned for his welfare. Paul Speak, also known as Hatton’s “confidant”, is said to “deserve a little bit of love” following the grim discovery on Sunday morning. He let himself into the boxing legend’s home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, after Hatton failed to turn up to a boxing show on Saturday evening. Boxing commentator Steve Bunce revealed last night: “He filled me in on a few details about the Friday night and the Saturday night. 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.” Hatton’s family paid tribute to their “beloved son Richard” yesterday. In the heartfelt statement released through police , the boxer’s family expressed how it was “source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched”. Former boxer Stacey Copeland, a close mate of Hatton, spoke to the BBC Five Live for a special ‘Remembering Ricky Hatton’ programme which aired on Monday night. Ms Copeland mentioned that Hatton “dared to dream” and shared how she saw Hatton last on Thursday at his gym. Hatton, who hails from Stockport in Greater Manchester, was scheduled to travel to Dubai on Monday to sign a contract for a December bout against United Arab Emirates fighter Eisa Al Dah, Ms Copeland revealed. Speaking to the BBC, Ms Copeland said: “He was saying he had a problem with his elbow. It was starting to hurt. We just had a bit of a joke, saying ‘you are knocking on now Rick’. That was it. To say it was a shock is a massive understatement.”