His long-time friend and former flame Claire Sweeney, who passed away the day the sporting legend turned 47, will be laid to rest in the week that Ricky Hatton will be remembered.
Devastated Claire Sweeney paid tribute to former boyfriend Ricky Hatton on what would have been the boxing legend’s birthday.
The former world champion – found dead in September at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, by his friend and manager Paul Speak – would have turned 47 today. Claire and Ricky went from being friends to lovers and back to being friends again following a whirlwind eight-month relationship and always stayed close.
The soap star, who first met Ricky in La Manga in the early 2000s, struck up a romantic relationship with him after they appeared on ITV’s Dancing on Ice together in January 2024. She shared a photo of the boxing legend on her Instagram Stories this morning She wrote over the picture: “Happy birthday,” followed by the two hands placed firmly together, and a red heart emojis.
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When Ricky, a former light welterweight champion, met Claire during ITV reality show rehearsals, he immediately won her over. The chemistry was “electric,” a source told the Mirror at the time. Ricky left the show early, but he eventually contacted her, and let’s say he started wooing her. They’ve gone on several dates together.
They continued, “They’ve been seeing each other quite a bit. He has no interest in anything. He may not be a match for him, but he has always had a good relationship with women. They like his personality, just like Claire. He is aware that his son is her mother’s top priority, so they are being very cautious. Watch this space, everyone.
On September 16, Claire took to Instagram and wrote a heartfelt tribute for her former lover – who split from each other after an eight-month relationship because they “decided they’re better off as pals”. Captioning a video slideshow of her and Ricky spending time with each other over the years, the Coronation Street actress – who remained on good terms with the fighter following their split later in 2024 – wrote: “I’ve needed a few days to process the devastating news about my dear friend Ricky.
My thoughts are with his family, particularly his granddaughters Lyla, Millie, and Campbell, who are also his children. I extend my heartfelt condolences to them, Speaky, and all of his friends, who had a deep love for him for so long. You were the people’s hero, Ricky. You were beloved and valued dearly. I’ll always be with you.
In the New Year reports emerged suggesting Ricky and Claire had parted ways. The split occurred prior to Christmas and when questioned about the separation a red carpet event earlier this year, Claire informed MailOnline: “I’m great – we’re still friends, we were friends, we dated and now we’re friends again. It’s all good!”.
However, the former couple kept their public support for one another. Prior to Ricky’s tragic passing, it was revealed that he was scheduled to fight UAE fighter Eisa Al Dah in Dubai’s middleweight division in December.
The Stockport-born boxer had planned to attend a press conference to promote the game, but he had to stay at home because of an eye injury he sustained while attending an Oasis reunion show in Cardiff.
He joined via video link, saying, “I’m very much looking forward to it myself, to be honest with you, even though he couldn’t be there physically. Fantastic what you’re trying to accomplish with boxing in Dubai. His ex-partner Claire posted a video of the announcement on Instagram at the time, writing, “This is brilliant.
Campbell, Ricky’s son, has appealed to fans ahead of the British boxer’s funeral. On October 10, details of the procession’s route at Manchester Cathedral were made public.
That’s exactly what he would have desired, he said to Granada Reports. He was most proud of his fanbase, which he attributed to as his greatest achievement in boxing. He would prefer that there be as many people celebrating his life on the street. For his fans, he did everything he did.
Source: Mirror
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