Ricky Hatton's Romantic History Explored Amid Inquest
Boxing icon Ricky Hatton, who tragically passed away at age 46, left behind a complex and colourful romantic legacy, featuring relationships with television personality Claire Sweeney and a lengthy, often turbulent engagement with Jennifer Dooley. His family has stated that before his unexpected death, Hatton was in the best mental and emotional state he had experienced in many years.
Inquest Details and Family Tributes
The legendary fighter, affectionately known as The Hitman, was discovered at his £1.7 million home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14 of last year. An inquest into his death is currently underway, attended by his manager Paul Speak, who found him, alongside ex-partner Jennifer Dooley, his son Campbell, father Ray, brother Matthew, and other relatives.
During the proceedings, Campbell Hatton provided heartfelt testimony, describing his father as a very happy and laid-back individual, except when it came to sports. He emphasised that Ricky lived his life both inside and outside the ring at full throttle, expressing no regrets. Campbell also noted his father's fearless nature and generosity towards those around him, while acknowledging his ongoing struggles with mental health issues.
"We felt he had been in the best place he had been in for years," Campbell added, highlighting a period of relative stability prior to Hatton's passing.
Claire Sweeney: A Brief but Electric Romance
Hatton's romantic entanglements included a high-profile relationship with Claire Sweeney, aged 54, which began in January 2024 after they met on ITV's Dancing On Ice. The couple quickly became inseparable, frequently photographed arm-in-arm during lively pub crawls across Greater Manchester. A source revealed to the Mirror that Sweeney, who had been contentedly single before meeting the Stockport-born trainer, was captivated by his charisma, sparking what was described as an "electric chemistry."
Unfortunately, their romance concluded in December 2024, with reports indicating it had simply run its natural course, though the pair remained on amicable terms. Sweeney, originally from Liverpool, had previously been in a relationship with Daniel Reilly, with whom she shares an 11-year-old son named Jaxon, which ended in 2017.
In a candid discussion on the Mirror's Invite Only podcast, Sweeney outlined her relationship priorities, stating she sought a partner who could make her laugh, demonstrate kindness, and with whom she could genuinely connect, emphasising that aesthetics were secondary to deeper compatibility.
Other Romantic Interests and Flings
Prior to his involvement with Sweeney, Hatton had a brief relationship with Playboy model Chelsea Claire, who was 14 years his junior. Their connection began in summer 2023 and became public in October of that year, but professional commitments ultimately led to its end. A source explained to The Sun that while they enjoyed their time together, it evolved into more of a fling due to differing life stages, with Hatton focusing intensely on his training regimen.
Earlier relationships included beauty specialist Angela Blemmings, whom he dated from July 2022 until 2023, and Marie Pollard, with whom he had an on-again, off-again romance starting in 2016, reigniting in 2021. An insider noted that Hatton was particularly happy during his rekindled time with Pollard, describing a close bond that had developed over years.
Jennifer Dooley: A Long-Term Engagement and Family Life
The most significant and enduring relationship in Hatton's life was with Jennifer Dooley, which began in 2005. A statement read on her behalf at the inquest detailed how they met and shared many joyful experiences, largely due to his unique career as a professional boxer. The couple welcomed their first daughter in 2011, followed by a second in 2017, and enjoyed special family trips to destinations like Tenerife.
Dooley recounted Hatton's active involvement in their daughters' lives, attending sports days, expressing pride in their achievements, and spending several afternoons each week with them, often engaging in playful activities like TikTok dances. However, she also noted his occasional forgetfulness.
By September 2025, Hatton was making positive plans for their daughters and looking forward to a trip to Dubai, with the girls excited to see him box. Dooley expressed that his death has left them heartbroken, creating a significant void in their lives, as they have lost a fun-loving father.
The couple got engaged in 2009 after a Valentine's Day proposal, but Hatton ominously nicknamed their Cheshire home the 'Heartbreak Hotel.' Their relationship faced public challenges, including a 2010 video showing Hatton using cocaine, which led him to seek rehabilitation with Dooley's support. Shortly after, an 11-month affair with Irish boxing champion Emma Bowe was revealed, causing a split in 2013, though they reconciled a year later.
In 2016, after another series of alcohol-fuelled incidents, their 11-year relationship ended definitively. Reflecting on the breakup, Hatton admitted to the Daily Star that it was very upsetting to conclude such a long-term partnership, acknowledging periods of difficulty.
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