Adam Smith - Sky Sports Expert

Manchester's moment

Hatton and his fans set for the biggest homecoming of all

Posted: 08th May 2008 10:27

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Ricky Hatton 2008

Hatton: back at home

Ricky also seems very happy and relaxed with his lovely girlfriend Jennifer - she has become a really big part of the team. They have recently acquired a new dog 'Franny Lee' for Ricky's son Campbell, and it seems home really is where the heart is for the Hitman.

Adam Smith
Quotes of the week

THE HOMECOMING
Ricky Hatton v Juan Lazcano
IBO Light-Welterweight title
Live on Sky Box Office
7.30pm, Saturday, May 24
Call 08442 410888 to book
Click here for more information

There is nothing quite like fighting at home. In your territory. With your fan base. In your comfort zone.

An astonishing 55,000 are flocking for Ricky Hatton's in Manchester on May 24th. And the Hitman doesn't intend to let them down.

We're now only two weeks away. Its gone incredibly quickly and Hatton's been back in his familiar old Denton gym easing gently down towards his much favoured light-welterweight limit.

Those two attempts up at 10stone 7lbs against Luis Collazo and Floyd Mayweather didn't entirely suit the Hitman and he promises he will be back to his ferocious best at 10stone. Kerry Kayes is, of course, on hand with his regular nutritional tips and guidance.

But there is an element in the camp about going back to basics this time. Years of toil on Billy Graham's body belt - and more importantly on his hands - have made their traditional work harder. Ricky's father Ray also felt it was crucial to bring in pad-work for Hatton's preparation.

Enter a helping hand. Lee Beard's, a quiet, unassuming young trainer who has been working with Matthew Hatton and is obviously delighted to land such a major role while still in his early 30's.

He very much answers to Billy, and has not in any way replaced Graham; but it shows the Hatton's want someone fresh and are trying something different.

Personally I'm very glad Billy is still the leading light. The trainer is normally first out if something goes wrong, and Ricky has kept loyal to a fabulous boxing figure who treats his long-time pupil like a son.

They have gone through so much together; and its right they should see it through to the end, side by side.

There is more to come, but I know Billy doesn't want Ricky to go on and on. Maybe two or three more. When Ricky hangs the gloves up, Billy intends to retire to his wildlife sanctuary out in Atlanta.

And over the pond lies Juan Lazcano. The Tex-Mex fighter has brought one of the top American coaches on board to try and dissect Hatton. My colleagues Ed Robinson and David Caine have just been to see Lazcano in El Paso under the master tutelage of Ronnie Shields. Word is that he is training frenetically for this chance of a lifetime.

He'll get quite a welcome in Manchester - by those Hatton fans who have paid anything from £30 to £500-plus just to be a part of the big event.

There have been rumours a plenty about wider entertainment on the night. James and Russell Watson have been mentioned. Meanwhile Sky's director Mike Allen - who brought us those awesome Naseem Hamed ringwalks - is currently sharpening his technical tools to give fans the best Blue Moon entrance yet.

And it will be wonderful to see Ricky's friend James Bowers back carrying the belts, having not been able to travel Stateside to be with his hero.

Ricky also seems very happy and relaxed with his lovely girlfriend Jennifer - she has become a really big part of the team. They have recently acquired a new dog 'Franny Lee' for Ricky's son Campbell, and it seems home really is where the heart is for the Hitman.

Comments

Rob Dobson says...

Fantastic to see Ricky back in action, I'm sure he will put on a show and will hopefully go about unifying the Junior Welterweight division before having one final crack at Floyd Mayweather Jr. Ricky wants to challenge and beat the best which is great. Come on The Hitman!

Posted 12:19 13th May 2008

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