Ricky Hatton’s ex-girlfriend Claire Sweeney has paid tribute to the former boxer after he was found dead on Sunday morning.
Tributes have poured in for Hatton, 46, who had a decorated career in the sport.
His body was found at his home in Hyde and police are not treating the death as suspicious.
Sweeney, who met Hatton on ITV’s Dancing on Ice last year, wrote on Instagram: “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 (Paul Speak) 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.”
The death of the popular boxer has rocked the boxing community and tributes have been flooding in since his death.
Hatton had announced he was coming out of retirement for an exhibition bout on 2 December, in Dubai, at the Eisa Al Dah.
This would have marked 13 years since his last professional contest.
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