“RICKY Hatton’s ex girlfriend Claire Sweeney held back tears as she said her final goodbyes to the boxing legend. Thousands of mourners gathered in Manchester today to pay their respects to much-loved legend Ricky at his funeral. 8 Claire Sweeney attended the funeral in Manchester Credit: Splash 8 The actress appeared to hold back tears”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
Thousands of mourners gathered in Manchester today to pay their respects to much-loved legend Ricky at his funeral.
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Claire Sweeney attended the funeral in ManchesterCredit: Splash
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The actress appeared to hold back tearsCredit: EPAClaire Sweeney, who had an eight-month relationship with Ricky last year, appeared emotional as she attended the service today.
After the icon’s death, Claire wrote a touching tribute which read: “I’ve needed a few days to process the devastating news about my dear friend Ricky.
“My thoughts are with his family especially his children Campbell, Millie Fearne and Lyla, his granddaughter.
“To them, Speaky and to all his friends who loved him so deeply and for so many years I send you my deepest sympathy.
“Ricky, you were the people’s champ. We adored and cherished you. Love you always.”
Hatton and Coronation Street star Claire appeared on Dancing On Ice together in 2024 and began secretly dating after the show.
The pair had been friends for 25 years before things became romantic.
The couple initially dated in secret and enjoyed a holiday to Tenerife together before going public with their romance.
However, it wasn’t to last and in December 2024 it was reported that their romance had ended after eight months together.
Following the split Claire said: “We’re still friends, we were friends.
“We dated and now we’re friends again. It’s all good.”
Before Ricky’s tragic death, Claire had cheered on his comeback to boxing with a heartfelt message.
The actress shared a video announcing the 46-year-old’s return to the sport.
“This is brilliant”, she captioned it.
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Hatton and Coronation Street star Claire appeared on Dancing On Ice together in 2024 and began secretly dating after the showCredit: Splash
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The former couple dated for eight-months last yearCredit: Instagram
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They had been friends for decadesCredit: InstagramRicky was sadly found dead at his home in Manchester on Sunday, September 14.
Tyson Fury, Liam Gallagher and the Rooneys are leading mourners at Ricky Hatton’s funeral as the procession finishes its route through Manchester today.
Thousands of fans were spotted lining the streets as the boxing icon made his final journey through his home city today.
The Gypsy King, 37, was flanked by boxing royalty, including Tony Bellew and Frazer Clarke, as they piled into the venue.
The star-studded line up also featured former cricketer Freddie Flintoff, soap star Bruce Jones and TV personality Calum Best.
The funeral procession started at 9.45am today, outside his local pub, the Cheshire Cheese, near his home in Hyde.
A Reliant Regal – as seen in Only Fools and Horses – led the procession in honour of Ricky’s extensive memorabilia collection.
The former world champion was a mega fan of the popular sitcom and once bought one of the original three-wheelers for £4,000.
Ricky’s brother, Matthew, was spotted travelling with the cortege, which was trailed by floral tributes reading ‘Hitman’.
Ricky then passed his gym and the AO Arena on his final journey, before reaching Manchester Cathedral at midday.
A memorial service will now take place at the cathedral, with legions of fans set to lining the streets outside in a show of support.
It will come to an end at the Etihad Stadium – the home of Ricky’s beloved football team, Manchester City.
The 46-year-old British boxing legend was tragically discovered dead at his home on September 14.
Paul Speak, his manager and close pal, found the boxing star’s body after checking on him when he didn’t show for a boxing event.
On Wednesday, Ricky’s son Campbell posted a heartbreaking tribute on what would have been his dad’s 47th birthday.
Campbell, who followed in his dad’s footsteps by becoming a pro boxer, told how his father’s death left the family “knocked for six”.
Ricky was awarded an MBE in 2007 and had worked as a boxing promoter and trainer since hanging up his gloves.
During his glittering 15-year career, Ricky won four world titles at both light-welterweight and welterweight.
After trading blows with some of history’s greatest fighters, he will be remembered as one of the greatest UK boxers of his generation.
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Touching photos of the legend inside the order of serviceCredit: Getty
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The coffin of Ricky Hatton carried into Manchester Cathedral, by his brother Matthew Hatton and son Campbell HattonCredit: PA
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Thousands of mourners gathered today to pay their respectsCredit: mancpicss66