Ricky Hatton’s ex admits the heartbreaking reality she realised in regards to the ex boxer
Jennifer Dooley, who was engaged to boxer Ricky Hatton, has spoken for the first time since his death about how she feared he’d never grow old
(Image: Shutterstock)
Ricky Hatton’s ex-fiancée has revealed she “knew he wasn’t going to be an old man” as she spoke publicly for the first time since the boxer’s death.
The former two-weight world champion was found unresponsive in his home on September 14, 2025, aged 46. Jennifer Dooley, with whom Ricky shared daughters Millie and Fearne, said: “I always knew he wasn’t going to be an old man.
“Rick was quite childlike and maybe he never really became an independent, fully functioning adult. I think that’s why he got on with his kids so well. Rick’s favourite time was with his girls.”
Ricky and Jennifer at the Australian Open(Image: Getty Images)
Jennifer’s words are taken from a book, Ricky Hatton: The Light That Never Goes Out, written by broadcaster and commentator Adam Smith, who spoke to members of the Hatton family for the tribute.
Ricky and Jennifer got engaged on Valentine’s Day in 2009 but in the near-decade to follow, their relationship faced strain as Hatton battled alcoholism and substance abuse.
Eventually, they parted in 2016 but remained on good terms and had learned to co-parent.
Hatton with Jennifer and his family(Image: PA)
Jennifer added: “He lived for everybody else. He was vulnerable about mental health and so many have come to me since his passing and said they had been very close to the edge.
“Millie and Fearne loved their time in the house with him. He was really affectionate and cuddly and they loved him hugely.”
Ricky Hatton in action against Vyacheslav Senchenko(Image: Reuters)
An inquest recorded a narrative verdict, concluding that while Hatton died by his own hand, his true intent remained unclear.
Thousands lined the streets on October 10 for the 14-mile funeral procession through Greater Manchester.
