Heartbroken Claire Sweeney in tears at Ricky Hatton’s funeral after ‘love you always’ message
Claire Sweeney attended Ricky Hatton’s funeral in Manchester on Friday as the boxing legend was laid to rest
12:37, 10 Oct 2025
Claire Sweeney attended Ricky Hatton’s funeral in Manchester(Image: Jason Roberts/Manchester Evening News)
A heartbroken Claire Sweeney was in tears at Ricky Hatton’s funeral in Manchester on Friday. The actress was among the celebrities paying tribute to the boxing legend after his tragic passing in September.
Liam Gallagher, Tyson Fury, Paddy McGuinness, Kell Brook, Ben Shalom, Chris Kamara and Freddie Flintoff were just a few big names spotted showing their support. Hatton was found dead in his home on September 14, aged 46.
Tributes to one of sports greatest icons flooded in following such tragic news with Sweeney, who had only split from a relationship with Hatton earlier this year, visibily distressed as she attempted to fight back tears.
“I’ve needed a few days to process the devastating news about my dear friend Ricky,” she wrote to Instagram after his heart-breaking death.
“My thoughts are with his family especially his children Campbell, Millie Fearne and Lyla, his granddaughter. “Ricky, you were the people’s champ. We adored and cherished you. Love you always.”
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard,” a statement from his family read.
“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.
“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.”
Useful numbers for dealing with your mental health
There’s help available if you need it:
Mind Cymru infoline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm. To contact them call 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (in the UK and Republic of Ireland this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
C.A.L.L. (Community Advice & Listening Line) offers emotional support and information/literature on mental health and related matters to the people of Wales and can be contacted on 0800 132 737 or through the website.
The NHS offers help and advice through its 111 service.
