Ricky Hatton’s former girlfriend, Chelsea Claire, has shared a touching tribute to the boxing legend, who was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday
12:25, 15 Sep 2025Updated 13:27, 15 Sep 2025
Chelsea Claire, the former girlfriend of Ricky Hatton, has shared a heartfelt tribute to the ‘inspirational’ boxing legend, whose sudden death has left her ‘heartbroken’.
News broke on Sunday that Hatton, 46, had tragically died. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a body was discovered at the ex-world champion’s residence, with a spokesperson stating that his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe for Hatton, who was one of Britain’s most beloved and successful boxers in his heyday. Playboy model Claire, who was romantically involved with Hatton in 2023, expressed her grief over his passing in a moving social media post.
(Image: chelsea_claire92/Instagram)
Writing on her Instagram story, she said: “Heartbroken doesn’t begin to cover what myself and the rest of the world are feeling. You were an inspiration to many and I was lucky to call you my partner,” reports the Mirror.
“You will be missed so much.”
Matthew Hatton, Ricky’s brother, also posted nostalgic photos of him and his brother on social media, captioning them: “I love you Richard. See you on the other side X”.
A touching minute’s applause was observed before the Manchester derby in honour of Hatton, a diehard City supporter. His cherished City went on to triumph 3-0 in the match, with goal scorer Phil Foden dedicating the victory to him.
City manager Pep Guardiola also expressed gratitude to Manchester United fans for their part in the poignant tribute to Hatton.
(Image: Getty Images)
“I want to say thank you so much for Man Utd fans for the way they behave and they applaud,” he expressed. “I know he was a world champion in boxing. It was a special, special moment. Of course, there’s no words that can explain the pain that the family feel right now for this loss.
“But of course, we are close. I know how incredible a Man City fan he is, he could live the bad moments and the good moments in the last 10, 15 years. I think he will enjoy it. I know for the fans how close he was.
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“The minute’s applause was unbelievable. It was an experience that I will always remember because they feel, in every applause or every person in the stadium, the gratitude for what he has done professionally and of course being a massive, massive City fan.
“We are so sad and feel so sorry for the family.”