Ricky Hatton was found dead at his home on Sunday morning, months before he was set to face Eisa Al Dah in his professional boxing return
Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton dated last year(Image: Anthony Devlin, Getty Images for Co-op Live)
Claire Sweeney’s heartfelt message to Ricky Hatton now carries a poignant weight, following the tragic news of the ‘Hitman’s’ death.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that Hatton was found deceased at his Bowlacre Road residence in Hyde on Sunday morning. A spokesperson for GMP said: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today, where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”
Despite officially retiring from boxing in November 2012 with an impressive record of 45-3, having only been defeated by Floyd Mayweather Jr, Manny Pacquiao and Vyacheslav Senchenko, Hatton had announced his return to the ring in June.
The English legend was scheduled to fight UAE boxer Eisa Al Dah at middleweight on December 2 in Dubai. And while Hatton was set to fly out to a press conference this summer to announce the bout, an eye injury sustained at an Oasis reunion concert in Cardiff, prevented him from doing so.
Although he couldn’t be there physically, he joined via video call to share his enthusiasm, saying: “I’m very much looking forward to it myself, to be honest with you. What you’re trying to do there for boxing in Dubai is fantastic.”
Coronation Street actress Claire also showed her support of Hatton’s boxing comeback by sharing a video of the announcement on Instagram, captioning it: “This is brilliant.”
Hatton and Sweeney’s romance blossomed during their stint on Dancing on Ice last year, despite having crossed paths intermittently over the past two decades. The couple were seen enjoying holidays together, but by December, they had decided to go their separate ways.
Ricky Hatton has died at 46(Image: Getty Images)
Claire spoke candidly to MailOnline last winter about the split, explaining that the pair still shared a friendship. She said: “I’m great – we’re still friends, we were friends, we dated and now we’re friends again. It’s all good.”
The sports community was in mourning on Sunday as tributes poured in for Hatton from his peers on social media. Tyson Fury posted: “RIP to the legend @rickyhatton, may he RIP. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this, so young.”
Chris Eubank Jr also paid his respects, saying: “Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you,” while Michael Owen shared his sorrow with: “RIP Ricky Hatton. What a guy. And what a fighter. Incredibly sad news.”
The Ring Magazine also gave their condolences on X, with: “The Ring is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Ring Magazine super-lightweight champion, Ricky Hatton. Our deepest sympathies are with Ricky’s friends and family at this time.”