By Tasha Hall
Copyright dailyrecord
Ricky Hatton’s ex girlfriend Claire Sweeney labelled him “the people’s champion” as she broke her silence for the first time following his tragic passing. The boxing legend’s death sent shockwaves through the sporting world on Sunday. The 46-year-old was discovered dead at his property over the weekend. Greater Manchester Police confirmed a body was recovered at the boxing legend’s residence and confirmed the death was not being treated as suspicious . A wave of tributes poured in from supporters, celebs and colleagues as they paid tribute to the beloved sportsman. Claire has now shared her own heartfelt message, revealing she “adored and treasured” the ex-world champion as she needed time to come to terms with her grief. Posting on Instagram, Claire 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.” Claire paired her message with a collection of clips and photographs from her relationship with Ricky , set to Elvis’s classic If I can dream. Friends of the soap star extended their heartfelt condolences. 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 have been friends for over two decades, the pair first sparked a romantic relationship after competing together on Dancing on Ice in 2024. The couple seemed perfectly matched, spotted enjoying cosy pub dates, holidays to Mallorca, and even a double date with Ricky’s former skating partner Robin Johnstone and her husband Andy Buchanan. However their romance was short-lived, with reports emerging in December 2024 that they had parted ways after eight months together. Speaking about their relationship after the 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 tragic news that Ricky’s long-serving manager discovered his friend’s body at the boxer’s home after growing concerned for his welfare. Paul Speak, who served as Hatton’s trusted “confidant”, is said to “deserve a little bit of love” after making the tragic discovery on Sunday morning. He gained entry to the boxing legend’s residence in Greater Manchester when Hatton, 46, failed to appear at a boxing event on Saturday evening. Boxing commentator Steve Bunce revealed: “He (Mr Bunce) 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.” Join the Daily Record’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
