Ricky Hatton’s former partner calls him an ‘inspiration’ after boxer found dead at 46
Chelsea Claire says she is 'heartbroken' after the former world champion was discovered at his Greater Manchester home; death not being treated as suspicious
Ricky Hatton, the former world champion British boxer, was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday, and his recent ex-girlfriend Chelsea Claire described herself as "heartbroken" and called him an "inspiration." Greater Manchester Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Friends and fellow fighters paid tribute across the sporting world after news of Hatton’s death, which came after initial concern when he failed to appear at an event on Saturday evening. A police cordon was reported outside his home on Sunday morning while inquiries continued.
Chelsea Claire, a model who is 14 years younger than Hatton, posted a photograph with him on Instagram and wrote, "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." The couple met in Tenerife in 2023 at The Dubliner Bar and had a four-month relationship, according to accounts she gave to media outlets.
Hatton’s former Dancing on Ice partner and friend Claire Sweeney also paid tribute in recent weeks, having supported his announced return to exhibition boxing. Robin Johnstone, Hatton’s skating partner on the show, said he had been "doing so well" and described Hatton as "a friend" who enjoyed attending events with his children.
Hatton, 46, rose to prominence as a two-weight world champion and remained a prominent figure in British boxing. He was awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to sport and drew large crowds during his career, including an estimated 30,000 for his 2007 bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. In recent years he had announced a series of exhibition fights, including a previous showcase against Marco Antonio Barrera and a planned comeback that was publicized before his death.
His post-retirement years included well-documented struggles with depression and substance misuse, which he publicly discussed during efforts to rebuild his life and fitness ahead of exhibition bouts. Friends and colleagues had noted his improved condition during training for recent public appearances.
Tributes from the boxing community poured in after the announcement. Fighters and figures in the sport, including Tyson Fury, Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan, acknowledged Hatton’s impact on boxing and the generation of fans he inspired. Hatton’s presence was also felt in Manchester on Sunday, where players and supporters observed a minute’s applause before the derby match.
Police said inquiries into the circumstances of Hatton’s death were ongoing but confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances. Friends had reportedly become concerned when he did not attend a scheduled event on Saturday featuring one of his boxers; the subsequent discovery on Sunday prompted the outpouring of tributes.
Hatton leaves behind a legacy as one of Britain’s best-known fighters of his era and a public figure who had been open about his personal battles. Details about funeral arrangements and further tributes were expected to be announced by his family or representatives in the coming days.