A devastated Claire Sweeney was seen in tears at Ricky Hatton’s funeral in Manchester on Friday. The actress was among the stars who gathered to pay their respects to the boxing champion following his tragic death in September. Liam Gallagher, Tyson Fury, Paddy McGuinness, Kell Brook, Ben Shalom, Chris Kamara and Freddie Flintoff were also seen offering their support.
Hatton was found dead at his home on September 14, aged 46. An outpouring of tributes to one of sport’s greatest legends followed the shocking news, with Sweeney, who had recently ended her romance with Hatton earlier this year, clearly distraught as she struggled to hold back her tears.
“I’ve needed a few days to process the devastating news about my dear friend Ricky,” she posted on Instagram last month following his heart-breaking passing.
“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 family statement said after his death. “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.”
