Nearly a year after the death of Ricky Hatton, three of the boxing legend's former partners have spoken candidly and emotionally about the deeply missed Hitman. The sporting world was left reeling on September 14, 2025, when former two-weight world champion Hatton was discovered unresponsive at his home, aged 46. An inquest recorded a narrative verdict, determining that while Hatton died by his own hand, his true intentions remained uncertain.
Funeral and tributes
From career-defining highs such as his IBF world title victory over Kostya Tszyu in front of a devoted home crowd, to the crushing lows of his defeats to Floyd Mayweather in 2007 and Manny Pacquiao in 2009, Hatton became synonymous with the city of Manchester and carved his name permanently into British boxing folklore. Thousands of well-wishers lined the streets on October 10, 2025, as Hatton's 14-mile funeral procession wound its way through Greater Manchester, with the service itself drawing 900 mourners, among them countless boxing legends.
Close friend, celebrated broadcaster and commentator Adam Smith delivered the eulogy. In honour of Hatton, Smith has authored a book entitled Ricky Hatton: The Light That Never Goes Out. Smith spoke with members of the Hatton family during the writing process, including three of the beloved fighter's former partners, one of whom painfully confided: "I always knew he wasn't going to be an old man."
Claire Sweeney's memories
Former Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney began a relationship with Hatton in early 2024, though the pair had known each other for decades, having initially crossed paths at numerous events. Their romance blossomed when they both featured on ITV's Dancing on Ice, making their red-carpet debut together in May 2024.
"I was better than him on the ice," she said, speaking to Adam for the book. "I miss the laughter, even after we split, we were great pals." Sweeney and Hatton's romance concluded within a year when 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."
Jennifer Dooley's heartfelt words
Long before his romance with Sweeney, Hatton had been engaged to his long-standing partner, Jennifer Dooley. The couple began dating shortly after Hatton's world title victory over Tszyu in 2005, and went on to welcome two daughters, Millie and Fearne. The Hitman had previously fathered a son, Campbell, with a former girlfriend in 2001, and had become a grandfather to Campbell's daughter, Lyla.
Hatton and Dooley became engaged on Valentine's Day in 2009, but over the following decade their relationship came under considerable pressure as Hatton struggled with alcoholism and substance abuse. The couple eventually separated in 2016, yet remained amicable and successfully co-parented their children. Dooley, who had previously only spoken publicly about Hatton's death at his inquest, harrowingly 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.
"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."
Maria Ganner's tribute
The publication also includes a heartfelt tribute from Smith's former Sky Sports colleague, production assistant Maria Ganner, who had a brief relationship with Hatton prior to his meeting Dooley. "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," she said.
"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."
