By Bryony Jewell

Copyright evoke

Claire Sweeney has paid tribute to her former partner and good pal Ricky Hatton after he was found dead at the age of 46.

The boxer passed away over the weekend, with Greater Manchester police saying there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Ricky and actress Claire dated for around eight months and remained close friends after their split, with her now saying that everyone ‘adored and cherished’ Ricky.

Sharing a montage of photos of them together, 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.

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‘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.’

Ricky’s family has also paid tribute, saying: ‘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.’

Claire and Ricky started dating after spending time together on Dancing On Ice in January 2024. It’s thought they split in December 2024.

According to the Daily Mail, she previously explained she and Ricky had known each other for 25 years before sparks flew between them.

After his retirement from boxing, Ricky had moved into coaching the sport but had planned to return to the ring in December.