Claire Sweeney has paid tribute to her former boyfriend and "dear friend" Ricky Hatton after the former world champion's death was announced over the weekend.
Posting a photograph of Hatton on Instagram, Sweeney wrote that she had needed "a few days to process the devastating news" and sent her "deepest sympathy" to his children Campbell, Millie Fearne and Lyla and his granddaughter. "Ricky, you were the people’s champ. We adored and cherished you. Love you always," she added.
Greater Manchester Police said officers were called by a member of the public to an address on Bowlacre Road in Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45 a.m., where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. A force spokesperson said there were not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
Hatton, who won world titles at light-welterweight and was awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2007, had been working as a coach after retiring from professional boxing. He had announced plans to return to the ring, with a fight reported to be scheduled for December, and Sweeney had publicly supported his decision in the weeks before his death.
Sweeney and Hatton struck up a relationship after spending time together on the 2024 series of Dancing on Ice. Though they split after about eight months, sources said they remained close friends. Sweeney told followers the two had known each other for about 25 years before their romantic relationship began.
Friends and colleagues said they were initially concerned when Hatton failed to appear at an event involving one of his boxers. Media reports note that he had publicly discussed struggles with mental health and drug addiction in the past.
Several figures from the entertainment and sports worlds paid tribute after news of his death. Olympian Greg Rutherford, who appeared alongside Hatton on Dancing on Ice, described the news as "utterly heartbreaking" and recalled conversations about mental health. Hatton's skating partner from the show, Robin Johnstone, said she felt "devastated" and remembered Hatton as being in good form and excited to watch a Torvill and Dean show with his children.
Fellow Dancing on Ice contestant Amber Davies wrote that Hatton had been "one of the sweetest" during their time on the show. Judge and professional dancer Oti Mabuse described him on social media as having "the kindest heart" and being "like a father to many celebs on DOI." Former footballer David Beckham posted a photograph from Hatton's boxing career and called his death "just heartbreaking."
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police reiterated that the force did not consider the circumstances suspicious and said inquiries were ongoing. No further details about the cause of death or funeral arrangements have been released.
Sweeney's Instagram message and the public tributes reflect the wide circle of friends and colleagues who had remained connected to Hatton through sport and television since his retirement from professional competition.