The world of British sport and entertainment has been shaken by the tragic news that Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton — one of Britain’s most celebrated boxers — was found dead at his home in Gee Cross,

Greater Manchester. Police confirmed that they discovered his body early on Sunday morning, September 14, at 6:45 a.m., adding that the death is not being treated as suspicious. He was just 46 years old.

While Hatton’s passing has left fans heartbroken, many are now reflecting not only on his remarkable career inside the ring but also on the colourful, passionate, and often complicated life he led away from it.

Among the most surprising and endearing chapters in his story is his romantic link with Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney — a relationship that began quietly,

bloomed in secrecy, and revealed a softer side to the man known as “The Hitman.”

The Fighter Who Captured a Nation

Hatton was no ordinary athlete. During his glittering career, which spanned from 1997 until his official retirement in 2012, he captured four world titles and went toe-to-toe with some of the most formidable fighters of his generation. His fearless, come-forward style earned him fans worldwide, while his working-class roots in Manchester made him a hero to the British public.

He wasn’t just a fighter, though — he was an entertainer. Hatton’s entrances to the ring were legendary, often accompanied by Oasis anthems and even the Gallagher brothers themselves. In 2008, Noel and Liam famously walked him out before one of his biggest bouts, cementing his status as both a sporting icon and a cultural figure.

But beyond the glitz, the belts, and the roar of the crowds, Hatton’s life was filled with personal battles, heartbreaks, and moments of unexpected tenderness.

A Friendship That Became Something More

One of the most intriguing aspects of Hatton’s later life was his surprising romance with actress Claire Sweeney. Best known for her role on Coronation Street and her success on stage and screen, Sweeney was a familiar face to millions of soap fans.

The pair’s love story began in an unlikely place — on the ice. Both were cast in ITV’s Dancing on Ice in 2024, and while Hatton was the first contestant eliminated, his short-lived appearance would prove life-changing. Sources at the time revealed that sparks flew almost immediately between the former world champion and the actress.

“They became friends on Dancing On Ice and really hit it off,” one insider shared. “It’s since become romantic and they’ve enjoyed a few dates. It’s early days but they’ve got a spark and have been having a great time.”

Though Sweeney lasted until week three of the competition, it was clear Hatton didn’t need to win a trophy — he’d found something far more meaningful.

A Secret Romance and Sun-Kissed Escape

What made their relationship all the more intriguing was the secrecy surrounding it. Hatton and Sweeney had known each other as friends for more than 25 years, but in the wake of Dancing on Ice, their bond shifted into something more intimate.

For weeks, they kept their budding romance away from the public eye, enjoying quiet moments together. Eventually, their secret took them abroad — to Tenerife, where they spent a holiday basking in the sun and each other’s company. The trip marked the first time they were spotted together outside of the UK, sparking whispers about whether the friendship had become love.

Fans were delighted when the relationship went public, hailing the unlikely pairing as a heartwarming twist in both of their lives. For Hatton, who had endured well-documented personal struggles, it was a chance at new happiness.

When Love Fades but Friendship Remains

Yet, like so many stories in Hatton’s life, the romance came with an expiry date. After a period of dating, Claire Sweeney confirmed that their relationship had cooled, though their bond remained unbroken.

“We’re still friends,” she explained. “We were friends, we dated, and now we’re friends again. It’s all good.”

That ability to part ways without bitterness spoke volumes about Hatton’s character. Despite his reputation as one of boxing’s most ferocious warriors, he carried himself with warmth and humour outside the ring, often prioritising loyalty and friendship above all else.

Love, Family, and Loss

Romance wasn’t always simple for Hatton. In 2016, he ended his long-term relationship with Jennifer Dooley, the mother of his daughters Millie and Fearne, after 11 years together. His son Campbell, from an earlier relationship, followed briefly in his father’s footsteps as a professional boxer before retiring.

Hatton’s life was marked by moments of deep personal struggle. After retiring from professional boxing, he battled alcohol abuse and depression, challenges he spoke openly about in later years. His honesty about his mental health struggles made him a relatable and respected figure far beyond the boxing community.

Tributes to a Legend

In the wake of his death, tributes have poured in from across the sporting and entertainment worlds. Fellow boxing great Tyson Fury shared his grief online: “RIP to the legend @rickyhatton may he RIP. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this, so young.”

Broadcaster Piers Morgan also paid tribute, writing: “RIP Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton, 46. Found dead at his home in Manchester, police say no suspicious circumstances. What incredibly sad news.”

Former world champion Amir Khan echoed the sentiment, calling Hatton not only one of Britain’s greatest fighters but also “a friend, a mentor, a warrior.”

Fans, too, have been quick to share their heartbreak. “An icon of British boxing and one of its best characters,” one supporter wrote, while another simply posted: “RIP Hitman.”

The Final Rounds

Though Hatton’s official career ended in 2012, he never strayed far from the sport. In recent years, he returned for exhibition bouts, including a memorable fight against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022. He even announced plans to lace up his gloves again for a December dust-up in Dubai against Eisa Aldah — a remarkable comeback attempt, thirteen years after his loss to Vyacheslav Senchenko.

But Hatton’s legacy is not just measured in wins, titles, or even comebacks. It lies in the joy he brought fans, the openness with which he spoke about his demons, and the way he lived his life with passion — whether in the boxing ring, on a sunlit holiday with Claire Sweeney, or cheering at an Oasis concert.

A Story of Triumph, Struggle, and Humanity

Ricky Hatton’s romance with Claire Sweeney may have been short-lived, but it revealed the softer, human side of a man often defined by his toughness. Their friendship-turned-love story — born on the ice, carried in secrecy, and ended with grace — is a reminder that even legends crave connection, companionship, and moments of ordinary happiness.

As the world says goodbye to “The Hitman,” fans will remember not only his thunderous punches and unforgettable nights in the ring but also the quieter, more personal chapters of his story. From champion boxer to vulnerable human being, Ricky Hatton lived a life full of knockouts — both inside and outside the ring.