Ricky Hatton's ex Claire Sweeney's three-word message is heartbreaking to read

Claire Sweeney's message of support to Ricky Hatton is now devastating to read after the 'Hitman' was found dead in his home. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that they found Hatton had passed away at his residence on Bowlacre Road in Hyde on Sunday morning.

A GMP spokesperson said: "Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances."

While the former welterweight and light-welterweight world boxing champion officially retired from the sport in November 2012 with a record of 45-3, only suffering defeat to the hands of Floyd Mayweather Jr, Manny Pacquiao and Vyacheslav Senchenko, Hatton announced his comeback to the squared circle in June.

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The Englishman was set to face UAE fighter Eisa Al Dah at middleweight on December 2 in Dubai. Hatton was supposed to fly out to a press conference to announce the bout, but had to remain at home after sustaining an eye injury during an Oasis reunion concert in Cardiff.

While he didn't attend in person, he appeared via a video call, where he said: "I'm very much looking forward to it myself, to be honest with you. What you're trying to do there for boxing in Dubai is fantastic."

In a showing of support, Coronation Street star Claire took to Instagram to share a video of the announcement, writing alongside it: "This is brilliant."

Hatton and Sweeney saw a romance with one another blossom when they took part in Dancing on Ice last year, despite already having met one another on and off for two decades. The two were spotted enjoying time together on several holidays, but their romance came to an end in December.

Despite parting ways, Claire told MailOnline last winter: "I'm great - we're still friends, we were friends, we dated and now we're friends again. It's all good."

The sporting world grieved on Sunday, with a number of his peers taking to social media to share their tributes. Tyson Fury wrote: "RIP to the legend @rickyhatton, may he RIP. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can't believe this, so young."

Meanwhile, Chris Eubank Jr added: "Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you," and Michael Owen wrote: "RIP Ricky Hatton. What a guy. And what a fighter. Incredibly sad news."

The Ring Magazine also took to X to write: "The Ring is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Ring Magazine super-lightweight champion, Ricky Hatton. Our deepest sympathies are with Ricky's friends and family at this time."