Boxing legend Ricky Hatton, known for his turbulent romantic history beyond the ring, has passed away at the age of 46. The icon was discovered at his residence in Hyde, Greater Manchester, police have confirmed.
The boxing great, also dubbed The Hitman, encountered Claire Sweeney, 54, on ITV's Dancing On Ice and they became practically joined at the hip afterwards. The duo were recently photographed linking arms during a spirited pub tour across Greater Manchester.
Claire, who had been contentedly unattached prior to meeting the Stockport-born coach, was completely captivated by his charisma, resulting in 'electric chemistry', according to a source who spoke to the Mirror. Nevertheless, their connection wasn't destined to endure as matters concluded in December 2024.
It was reported their affair gradually cooled but they stayed close mates.
Nevertheless, Claire isn't the sole lady to fall under the boxer's spell - here we examine the departed star's romantic entanglements, reports the Mirror.
Claire Sweeney
Ricky, a former light welterweight titleholder, encountered Claire during practice sessions for the ITV reality programme and started to capture her affections. A source told the Mirror: "The chemistry was electric. Ricky went out of the show early on but he contacted her afterwards and let's say he started wooing her. They've been out on several dates."
They added: "They've been seeing each other quite a bit. He is completely besotted."
An insider revealed: "It seems like an unlikely match but he's always had a way with women. They fall for his personality, and Claire has. He knows her number one priority is her son so they are being very careful. Let's watch this space."
Claire, hailing from Liverpool, was last romantically linked to Daniel Reilly, the father of her eight year old son Jaxon. Their relationship came to an end in 2017.
In a chat with the Mirror's Invite Only podcast in January, she expressed: "I really want to be with someone who makes me laugh. Someone who's kind. Someone I will click with. So, someone like that, it just wouldn't be about aesthetics - OK, there's an initial attraction but I want it to be more than aesthetics, that's the type of person I'm looking for."
However, unfortunately, the romance between Ricky and Claire didn't stand the test of time as it was reported they ended their relationship in December 2024 but remained on good terms.
Chelsea Claire
Just prior to his Dancing on Ice debut, Ricky called it quits with Playboy model Chelsea Claire, who was 14 years his junior. The pair had a brief love affair, which began in the summer of 2023 but kept their relationship private until October of the same year.
Despite things appearing to go well for the sportsman, work commitments put a strain on their relationship.
A source told The Sun: "Ricky and Chelsea had a great time together, but it ended up being more of a fling. They are at very different stages of their life and Ricky is really throwing himself into training and wants to concentrate on that. Things are still really amicable and they will be friends going forward."
Angela Blemmings
Beauty guru Angela Blemmings started dating Ricky in July 2022 and the pair made things Instagram official after posting a picture from their dreamy Dublin break.
Angela supported Ricky at the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year awards in December, but their whirlwind romance came to an end in 2023.
Marie Pollard
Ricky and Marie Pollard dated in 2016 but their brief romance ended the following year. Yet, half a decade later, they gave love another go and announced to fans that they were an item once more.
The pair posted adorable pictures from their sun-soaked Croatian break in 2021. An insider at the time shared: "He's known Marie for years, but they've grown close again. Ricky's really happy."
Jennifer Dooley
Ricky was already dad to son Campbell Hatton, a boxer, with ex-partner Claire when he started seeing Jennifer Dooley in 2005.
The couple, who share daughters Millie and Fearne, got engaged in 2009 after Ricky proposed on Valentine's Day. However, he ominously dubbed their Cheshire abode the 'Heartbreak Hotel', in a nod to Elvis Presley's iconic song.
In 2010, a video surfaced of Ricky using cocaine, which led him to seek rehab treatment while Jennifer stood by his side.
But just a month later, Irish boxing champ Emma Bowe spilled the beans to the Mirror about her 11-month affair with the boxer that began after an autograph signing in Dublin.
The couple split in 2013, with Ricky leaving their £3million family home, but they got back together a year later.
Ricky said at the time: "Me and Jennifer are working through our difficulties. We are no different to anybody else except my life is under the spotlight because of who I am."
Things seemed to be looking up when the family took a holiday in Tenerife over the New Year period.
However, in 2016, after a string of boozy nights out for Ricky, his 11-year love story with Jennifer came to an end when he was snapped looking worse for wear while partying with other women.
Speaking to the Daily Star about his ex-fiancée, he admitted: "It's very upsetting when you've been in such a long-term relationship and it comes to an end. I can't deny there are times I have found things difficult."