The boxing icon dated Chelsea Claire in 2023

Chelsea Claire shared a photo with Ricky Hatton on Instagram

Ricky Hatton’s ex-girlfriend Chelsea Claire has been left “heartbroken” by his d3ath. The boxing icon was found d3ad at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester on Sunday (September 14).

The tragic news prompted an outpouring of grief from figures across the world as Hatton is regarded as one of the UK’s finest ever boxers. Hatton dated a model names Chelsea Claire in 2023, who has taken to Instagram to react to his d3ath. She shared a snap of the two together as she paid tribute.

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. You will be missed so much.”

After the couple split, Hatton went on to date Claire Sweeney for eight months. Romance between the two longtime friends blossomed after they competed on Dancing On Ice and they regularly shared updates from their time together.

The two went on a number of holidays to Tenerife before they announced their split last December. Hatton was was the dad to three children and his loved ones have issued a tribute through Greater Manchester Police.

The statement said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard.

Get the latest Liverpool Echo breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

“Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many.

“He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him. To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.

“He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.”

The statement added: “As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.

“It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.

“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy – both in boxing and as a man – will continue to live on.

“Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly. With love and gratitude, The Hatton Family.”