Authorities confirmed that the results were shared with the family earlier this morning before being made public. While officials did not disclose every detail, they stated that the findings were “consistent with a sudden, unexpected medical event.”
Fans around the world are left wondering what exactly happened, as Ricky was seen smiling and in good spirits just days before his passing. Tributes continue to pour in from fellow athletes and supporters who grew up watching his iconic fights.
Investigators say they are still reviewing medical records and speaking with close friends to understand the final hours of his life. For now, police have ruled out foul play, but the full report will only be released once the review is complete.
Many are asking: Was there an underlying health condition nobody knew about? Or did something happen in the days leading up to his death that triggered this tragedy?
D.r.u.g.s, Affairs and an ITV Romance – He fought like a warrior in the ring, but in love Ricky Hatton’s battles were even fiercer – from an ITV ice romance to Playboy flings and heartbreak that never healed
The sudden death of Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton at just 46 has shocked fans across both boxing and showbusiness. Known for his relentless fighting style and his larger-than-life personality, Hatton’s victories in the ring made him a national hero. But away from the spotlight, his love life was just as dramatic, often making more headlines than his fights.
Claire Sweeney – The Ice Rink Romance
In January 2024, Ricky reconnected with long-time acquaintance Claire Sweeney while competing on ITV’s Dancing On Ice. The pair had known each other for more than 25 years, but sparks only began to fly after they were thrown together on the show. Claire, best known for Coronation Street and Brookside, was newly single after splitting from her ex-partner, Daniel Reilly, in 2017, with whom she shares a son, Jaxon
The couple quickly became inseparable. They jetted off to Tenerife for a sun-soaked holiday, delighting fans with public displays of affection. Yet by December the romance had cooled. A source close to the pair confirmed: “Claire and Ricky remain good friends. There has been no falling out, but their lifestyles are very different. They realised they are better as pals.” Despite the split, Claire continued to support Ricky, even reposting his boxing comeback video with the words: “This is brilliant.”
Chelsea Claire – The Playboy Model
Just months before Dancing On Ice, Ricky had been dating Playboy model Chelsea Claire, 14 years younger than him. Their fling began in summer 2023 and went public in October. Chelsea, who regularly posted risqué photos on social media, was said to bring excitement back into Ricky’s life.
But while their chemistry was undeniable, the romance was short-lived. Training commitments for Dancing On Ice took priority, and by late 2023 the pair had parted ways. “They had a great time, but it ended up being more of a fling,” a source told The Sun. “They were at very different stages in life.”
Angela Blemmings – The Beauty Therapist
In July 2022, Ricky went public with beauty therapist Angela Blemmings, owner of EyeCandy salon in Stalybridge. The pair enjoyed a romantic getaway to Dublin, sipping Guinness while Ricky prepared for his comeback fight against Marco Antonio Barrera. Angela proudly posted selfies of them together, even walking the BBC Sports Personality of the Year red carpet by his side that December
But by 2023, cracks appeared. They quietly split, though insiders described the break-up as amicable.
Marie Pollard – The Long-Time Friend
One of Ricky’s most enduring romances was with long-time friend Marie Pollard. They first went public in 2017, with Ricky describing her as his “bezzie” turned girlfriend. Their relationship was filled with ups and downs: from lighthearted dates (including the time Ricky accidentally took her to a church instead of a pub) to bust-ups that saw him move in and out of her life.
They split in 2018 but tried again in 2021. Sadly, history repeated itself, and by 2022 Ricky was with Angela Blemmings. Still, Marie remained a fond chapter in his personal history, one of the few women to truly know him beyond the fame
Charlie Nordell – The “Fun Police”
Between 2018 and 2020, Ricky dated blonde beauty Charlie Nordell. Their love took them to Las Vegas, where they posed for loved-up photos at Caesar’s Palace. Ricky cheekily joked: “Nice to go to Vegas for a night and not get knocked the f*** out.”
Charlie became known as the “fun police,” helping Ricky curb his destructive habits with alcohol and drugs. But eventually, the couple split after two years. Charlie moved abroad, while Ricky focused once more on his career and family.
Jennifer Dooley – The Longest Love
Ricky’s longest and most turbulent relationship was with Jennifer Dooley, lasting from 2005 to 2016. Jennifer was by his side during his biggest triumphs, including when he received his MBE in 2007, and she gave him two daughters
ut the relationship was scarred by scandals. In 2010, a video emerged of Ricky taking cocaine, leading him into rehab. Around the same time, Irish boxer Emma Bowe claimed she had been having an 11-month affair with him. Jennifer stood by him through these storms, but repeated cycles of drinking, partying, and disappearing on holidays proved too much.
At one point, Ricky even named their Cheshire mansion the “Heartbreak Hotel,” a nod to Elvis Presley, and perhaps a prophecy for what was to come. They finally split in 2016 after photos emerged of Ricky partying with other women. “It’s very upsetting when a long relationship comes to an end,” Ricky later admitted.
The Final Years
After Jennifer, Ricky’s romances became briefer — nights out with Playboy model Carla Howe in 2017, rekindling with Marie, then Angela, Chelsea, and finally Claire. Friends often said that while he was fierce in the ring, he was fragile in love, always searching for the stability that eluded him.
Ricky Hatton leaves behind not only a glittering boxing legacy but also a complex love story — one marked by passion, chaos, and an unending quest for connection.
