It has been almost one year since the tragic death of Ricky Hatton and three of the Manchester boxing icon’s former partners have opened up
Three of Ricky Hatton’s former partners have shared their emotional memories of the dearly missed Hitman including Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney and his former fiancée Jennifer Dooley.
September 14, 2025, marked a dark day for the world of sport, as beloved two-weight world champion Hatton was found unresponsive in his home. He passed away at the age of 46 and his inquest found it was unclear whether he intended to take his own life, though he died by his own hand.
In honour of Hatton, famed boxing commentator Adam Smith has written a book titled Ricky Hatton: The Light That Never Goes Out. Smith, who delivered the main eulogy at Hatton’s funeral, spoke to members of his family for this tribute, including three of the heroic boxer’s former partners, who had only discussed his death previously during Hatton’s inquest.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Actress Sweeney began a romance with Hatton in early 2024, though the pair had known each other for decades after meeting at various events. Their relationship blossomed when they both took part in ITV’s Dancing on Ice, making their red-carpet debut together in May 2024.
“I was better than him on the ice,” she revealed, speaking to Smith for the book. “I miss the laughter, even after we split, we were great pals.”
Sweeney and Hatton’s romance lasted less than a year before they parted ways in December 2024, though they maintained their friendship. She added: “I was blessed to be part of his life.
“He was such a good dad and I have a son so I understood. Ricky introduced me to his great mates. We spoke all the time. Ricky was the joker and although he had his deep moments, the only thing I noticed was that he became unusually reflective. He always had so much time for people.
“My happiest time was when I would come home from filming Corrie and we would cook a nice, healthy meal. Not naughty food. I even introduced him to an air fryer and it changed his life!
“Ricky would get so excited choosing a boxing movie for his home cinema. We would sit on the sofa and watch films. He was so normal. [But] I saw his vulnerabilities.
“He was not frightened to show me then. He was extreme, but he was wonderful. I loved being with all his mates at the pub on the estate or having a sing-song at home. So much laughter. He made me laugh so much.”
Years before his relationship with Sweeney, Hatton was engaged to his long-term partner, Jennifer Dooley. Shortly after Hatton’s world title victory against Tszyu, the couple began their romance and went on to welcome two daughters, Millie and Fearne. The Hitman already had a son, Campbell, with a former girlfriend in 2001. He had become a grandfather to Campbell’s daughter, Lyla.
Hatton and Dooley became engaged on Valentine’s Day in 2009, but over the following near-decade, their relationship endured difficulties as Hatton struggled with alcoholism and substance abuse. They eventually separated in 2016, though they maintained an amicable relationship and successfully co-parented their children.
Dooley, who had previously only spoken about Hatton’s death during his inquest, poignantly revealed: “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. 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.
“Rick was really empathetic and looked at life through a wide lens, not concentrating on himself. He thought he was the same as everyone else, with small children, trying to navigate life, but he was actually a trailblazer. I wish we could have done something, but he wanted to save others.
“He was as daft as a brush but also so switched on, a contradiction, yes, but he felt very deeply. Millie and Fearne loved their time in the house with him. He was really affectionate and cuddly and they loved him hugely.”
The book also includes a heartfelt tribute from Smith’s former Sky Sports colleague, production assistant Maria Ganner, who allegedly had a brief romantic relationship with Hatton before he met Dooley. She said: “Through my relationship with Richard, I have had this long relationship with his family and I feel so lucky and privileged that he gave me them.
“What I miss most about Richard is his sense of humour. He always made me laugh. He found the good in a bad situation and he was so relatable to so many people, just not out of reach. A normal, humble man with absolutely no airs and graces.”
Upon his death, endless tributes streamed in for Hatton, who won the British public’s hearts with his 2005 victory over Kostya Tszyu in front of a devoted hometown crowd. Even his defeats to Floyd Mayweather in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009 did not dampen the adoration others had for him.