By Amy Denman,Lucy Needham
Copyright mirror
Ricky Hatton’s ex-girlfriend Claire Sweeney has spoken out following the announcement of the boxing legend’s death.
News of the boxing legend’s death shocked fans on Sunday, with the star found 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.
Fans and Ricky’s friends in the industry have spoken out to pay their respects since the tragic news broke. Ricky’s former partner Claire has today spoken out after revealing she need time to process her loss.
Taking to 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,” she said.
After being friends for over two decades, Ricky and Claire fell for each other as they both competed on the 2024 series of Dancing on Ice.
Claire said: “I’ve known him for 25 years or so, we kind of always passed each other during events.” The pair took part in Let’s Dance for Comic Relief in 2013 before bumping into each other again at Dancing on Ice.
Soap star Claire then gushed: “Do you know what? He makes me laugh, that’s it.”
The pair seemed like a perfect match and were photographed on cosy pub date nights, holidays to Mallorca and even a double date with Ricky’s former skating partner Robin Johnstone an her husband Andy Buchanan.
Sadly, the pair’s romance wasn’t to last as it was reported in December 2024 that their romance had come to an end after eight months together.
Claire said about her and Ricky’s relationship following their split: “We’re still friends. We were friends, we dated then we’re friends again. It’s all good.”
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