b'ROUND 4To go to Vegas to watch a lad from Hattersley, its a boxing mans dreamIt is eight days until Ricky Hattons IBFluck is what I need. Fruit machines,Sundays when hes not training. Whenand Ian Brady thing, its always been put light-welterweight title bout againstblackjack, Ill try anything. Itll be the firstRicks dad had the New Inn, the two pubsdown. But now weve got Ricky Hatton Juan Urango and Las Vegas is bracingand last time Ill go to Vegas - its thatwere rivals in darts. Rick is a good dartsputting it back up there on a good note. itself for a 2,500-strong Mancunianexpensive.player, but I remember him better as theRickys been nothing but good. invasion. Here is one small portion ofIve saved all my money for a long timeten-year-old boy always working out in theIve known Ricky since he was a it, travelling from the Harehill Tavern,for this, its been very hard. But a lot ofcellar beneath the pub.14-year-old, fighting as an amateur. You a pub on the Hattersley estate whereother people had also been saving andEveryone knew even back then that hecould pay a pound to watch him those days Hatton grew up.couldnt come because they couldnt savewas going to be a champion. We knew he- I reckon Ive seen him about 60 times. I These are some of Hattons oldestenough.had something special. But its been brilliantfirst watched him fighting against a club friendships, united by the miles they havewatching him come all the way through, itfrom Ireland and I remember this Irish club notched up following him round Britain (andRonnie Fox, 49, warehouse managermakes your heart flutter.fancied their boy and saying: I feel sorry for now the world), and by the struggle theyI used to run the pub football team fromthis Ricky Hatton. Anyway, Ricky came out faced in finding the money to do it.the New Inn, the pub his parents ran, soVicky Singleton, 24, secretaryand flattened this lad in about two minutes Their tales tell the story of the journeyIve known him since he was a kid. He wasThere are only two of us girls in theand had him crying his eyes out. ahead and the miles already behind them always knocking about, giving us lip - usualgroup of 18. I am looking forward to it, butThe estate has quite a good boxing stuff, telling us that we were too old andIm going to have to be one of the lads.fraternity. There are young kids on the Craig Escott, 46, lorry driverthat he was better than us - and collecting aestate now that we go and watch and Ive worked in Indonesia, America,few clips around the head in the process.Andy Hall, 42, car paint-sprayerhopefully theyll be as big as Ricky one day. Australia, but these people from HattersleyHe never got to play for the pub teamIm not just a Ricky Hatton fan, IveThey all want to be Ricky. I think Rickys are some of the finest Ive ever known.because by the time he was old enough hebeen a big boxing fan all my life - and thisgot a lot of kids off the street and into the On the surface they seem like normal,was seriously into his boxing. But we haveguys brought the fire back, the same firegym. everyday people, but what youve got herea veterans team now and when RickysI had for the Tommy Hearns years, theWesley Behan, 28, carpet-fitter is whats disappeared in a lot of places - thenot training he sometimes joins us forRoberto Duran years, the Ali years. ItsIve known Ricky since we were community thing. Its still alive here. Peopleour Thursday night five-a-side. Hes a fitbeen absolutely magic being on this journeyten-year-olds at Hattersley High School look out for you and offer help if youre notlad, even when hes out of shape, and heswith Ricky. Ive watched him since 1998. Itogether. Hes always been the same down-all right.clearly got the hunger. Hes got a nice fewalways knew about this up-and-coming kidto-earth character. Only once did he have a Thats died out in other areas, buttouches, quick feet and he certainly getsfrom the Hattersley council estate and now,problem at school, when he was 12 or 13. A this estate is like a time warp. Its a bigstuck in.suddenly, hes doing it. To go to Vegas tolad called Timmy James started giving him community thing and well be taking it toJohn Willingham, 39, recycling officerwatch a lad from Hattersley, its a boxingsome gyp, Ricky let him go on at him all Vegas with us.mans dream.through the lesson and afterwards he just Vegas is going to be bright and pretty,I didnt have the money to go the lastlost his rag and snapped on him. I think it exciting and happening. Ill be the well- fight in the States, but Im 40 in FebruaryDave Bessell, 38, window-makerlasted about two seconds, with the lad on behaved one - I was a social worker forand I was going to go away with my wife toThis is a bit of a run-down area with ahis back saying: No more, no more! That seven years, so I know how to behave. InFlorida to celebrate, but we thought wed dobit of a bad name - with the Myra Hindleywas it - he never got any trouble after that.Vegas, were representing firstly Hattersley,Vegas instead. Its my birthday present from but then Ricky, Manchester and England.her, but shes as excited as all the lads. Wild76 Sport2WC THETIMESFridayJanuary122007We feel a big sense of responsibility. Werehorses wouldnt keep her away.Dust-upinthedesert ReadOwteontShleotboignfRigichktyinHLaatstoVnesgas Dust-upinthedesert Cricketbiumileds-ounpline.co.uk/sportgoing to lap it up and revel in the victory.Im looking forward to the sights. MARCASPLAND wereabout t tenofuswhoalwaysused NICKPOTTS/PA Trescothick notWeve got a helicopter booked over thetotraveltogether. his Ial Ill forget Myfirstbrotherprofession-and he part of EnglandsSteve Heaton, 28, publican of Harehillgot fight,neverinWidnes. andwe andholdmeofinaonwheelchairitGrand Canyon and Im not a good flyer, sowheeled right ofthebest managedtogetsome nexttothe seatsinthe World Cup plansTavernhouse, been cameon cardgirls.Im petrified of that. Im certainly moreRickyeventuallyId be sitting aftermid- RichardHobson Allofthe16involvedinthenight thereallgothattotime,askingandto wheeled torefusedoutMy house is next door but one fromnervous about that than I am about Rickystheloo ina being said bymy One-DayCricketCorrespondent Commonwealth Bank to Series,brotherbecause wantedto Melbourne whichwasscheduled openwatchtheboxing.heIwonthebegoingto withEnglandfacingAustraliathisfight wheelchair. Ifthismorningfeltlikethe attheMCGtoday,arecertainRicks nanna and Rick and I have been bestKirkStone,39,window-maker startofEnglands event to of theirtheplacessquadinthatearlyleavesMarchforand, barringfight.MydadrunsInn,anotherand localcomesboozer,in theWorldCup,thebuild-up will injury, atweakratherthananTheRailway Rick begivenevenwhensharperfocus theCaribbeanmates since school. Thats why I was intheremostWhenSundaysRickswhendad hesnot tomorrow, the David willbe ofthepresentmodel.training. hadthe Graveney,announcesthe chairman of overhaul as bases,selectors, initialbe theAsnaturewell ofcoveringoriginalallJay Behan, 32, joinerNewInn, atwo asthe rivalsinI squadof30.Absentees the allows sto the groupRicktheis goodpubsdartswereplayer,ten-year-but freshernameswho somemayof encouragandehis autobiography, though my names speltdarts. himbetter outinthe asconspicuousas occupythe colleagueGraveney eye younhisg-rememberoldboyalwaystheworkingpub. fringepositions. poolallows erplayerswithan toTomthewrong. Not that thats Ricks fault - hes hadWhen Ricky started boxing, my rolecellarbeneath knew to even a backthen The to sizeofthe it recovering longerterm. if Bopara, andEveryone scope for players Smith, AmjadRavi Khanthathewashegoinghad be champion. frominjuryand to does Graham en could prin-o-Weknew somethingspecial. have belopped afinalnot15 cluded,evOnions islittbelethetheretoo many punches, hed never see it.was always to hire the minibus to get hisButitsallbeenthe brilliantthrough,watchinghim until February 13. However, spectofmaking nextcut.come way itmakes Graveney allbut andyourheartflutter. thatMarcushas confirmedwill MichaelFletcher,Vaughanthecoach,Trescothick DuncanI used to be a cabinet maker until twoparents and grans and everyone to his fightsVickySingleton,24,secretary intotheit, notbeincluded,while border- havebegunperiodplanningof foranGough, Geraint JonesDarrenand intensive 50-overslookingof girls linecases. meetings allof squadThere ofare18.onlyIam two usforward AshleyGilesarealso cricketbyholdingindividualgroup withAndrewlads. partintheAsheswhobecauseplayedofhis whospent40 theStrauss,years ago, when I took this pub over. Mostaround the country. There were about ten ofbutImgoingtohavetobeoneofthe Trescothick, illness,is no inAustralia. minutessaid withthatthestress-related expect- management,of the pubs on the estate are run down andus who always used to travel together.Andy a Hall,42,carpaint-sprayer edto the forSomerset, said: VaughanhadtoldandplayersexpresstoImnotjustaRickyfanHatton nodatereturnhasbeenset.Richardbut try to enjoy thefield.been bigboxing allmyfan,lifeIve Gould, chiefexecutive, themselvesonHearns years, the forthethefireTommyback, He has been undertaking one-daygameswherewithoutmuchandthisguys Ibrought Wearenotputtinganytime- We have three or fourthis was run down, too. Rick does a lot ofIll never forget his first professionalthesamefire had Roberto Duran linesonwhenheshouldplay. monthsnow and weplayyears, themagicAlibeingyears.on Itsjourneybeen fitnessworkinthe gymat chopping Itisa changing,absolutely this Tauntonandhasbeenseenon Strausssaid. goodtimesportsmans dinners now and he gave me afight, in Widnes. My brother and I gotwithRicky.Ivewatchedabouthimsince theground to muchasthe to be having asmeetings asplayers.as1998. I alwayskidknewfromnow,thesuddenly,Hatters-this other failed takeaagainst individualsand agrouptoup-and-coming wicket makesure arecertain ourinGough aboutwe directioninmassive help with the pub recently when hehold of a wheelchair and he wheeled meFightingtalk:someofthosewhohopetobetoastingavictoryforHattonintheUnitedStatesaweektomorrow.Fromlefttoright,theyare:Back:PaulChapel,RobertSingleton,Dave leycouncilestate goandtoVegas a towatch mer two appearances lastsum- minds If the getitright, wehesdoingit.To Pakistanattheendof aregoing. we wealadfromHattersley,its boxing beforebreakingdownwith willwinmoregamesthanweBehanBessell, mansdream. shin problems afterJoneshis lose.shellshockedandcame down and did me a turn here. The pubin on it and we managed to get some ofMarkBirchall,KirkStone,DarrenJones,KennyRoyle,AndyHall,WesleyBehan,JohnWillingham.Front:AndyBirchall,SteveHeaton,CraigEscott,VickySingleton,RonnieFox,Jay DaveBessell,38,window-maker a appeared thirdAshesprovides HedescribedthereturnofpairinMatthew Testin Vaughanafteras seeing lostthe time.awas packed - about 150 people. Rick wentthe best seats in the house, right next toManchester united behind Hatton Thisisabitofarun-downareawith Perth. coveras Prior because relative His along ability Thebitofabad withtheMyra more back-up matchesHindley andnameIan Brady thing, its hecanefficient bothbatsman New againstareAustraliaeffectivelyandaZealandgotRickybeenHattonput puttingitbackup Giles,supersededspecialistbyMonty able to manage his kneealways down.Butnowweve andwicketkeeper. testofthecaptains tobedown really well, better than the comedianthe card girls. Ricky eventually came onthereonbutagoodnote.Rickysbeen Panesar as exaprhisessewife,dhis spin problem. purpose sinceId got along, though that may have beenafter midnight - Id been sitting there allas fans prepare for flight of fancy nothing good. I sincehewasa bowtolercare,has for last to a pStine, being conveys fivedaysagoIveknownRicky ty riori- atleastreappointed butconfidence,14-year-old, payfighting anwatch whohadsurgery removea doubts a will remain until heYoucould apoundas to amateur.him braintumour month.He strings fewgamestogether.thosedaysIreckonIveseenhim has not playedtobehave.InVegas,wererepresent- AndyBirchall,34,floor-layer nowandwhenRickysnottraininghe about60againsta firstwatchedhim international one-daythe I Latestnewsfromtimes. Challengesincebecause my dad had got the comedian sothat time, asking to be wheeled out to goHarehillTavernregularswill ingfirstlyHattersley,butthenRicky, Thisisabig,bigtripforme,flight first sometimesjoinsus aourfit Thursday fighting and this clubfromIreland NatWest inJuly2005. against Australiamy andIremember Irishclubfancied Australia timesonline.co.uk/ashestourManchesterandEngland.Wefeela timetotheStates,thelongest Ill nightfive-a-side.Hesfor lad,even theirboy saying:Ifeelsorryforbeamongthosetravellingto big sense responsibility. Were havebeenon.Ivenever whenhes ofshape, hes this Hatton.beenIllindoa the got ladpissed beforehand.to the loo and being refused by my brotherLasVegastocheeronalocal goingtolapofitupandrevelinthe casinoinmylife.Hopefully goingto clearlygot outhunger.Hes andanice cameRickyoutandflattenedAnyway,this Rickyin Yorkshirehitbackaftervictory. well.IdontknowwhatIm fewtouches,quickfeetandhecertain- about and had himboywhoreallymadegood SteveHeaton,28,publicanof play abitofmachines, luckis lygetsstuckin. crying twoeyesminutesout. aIneed. Fruit beginnersblackjack,whatIll The his hasquitefraternity.There young McGrathsaysgoodbyebecause he said he wanted to watch theOwenSlot Reporter HarehillTavern doorbutonefrom tryanything.Itll fora JohnWillingham,39, the estate are beas goodkidsboxingon JohnWesterby solicitorthatwebelieveheisinVegasbetheitsfirstthatandexpen-lastAndy Birchall, 34, floor-layerChiefSports Myhouseisnext IThats timeIllgoto this,allitsmybeenmoneyveryhard. recycling e officer Imto40gointheFeblastru- and estatenowtheyllthatwegobigandas watch breach his aresive.Ivesaved I Stathetes,moneybutRicksnannamatesandsinceRickschool.and have figdidnt thhave hopefully be Rickyboxing. I wont be going to this fight in aItiseightdaysuntilRickyHattons CraigEscott,46,lorrydriver America, beenbest hisspeltautobiography, long a timefor peoplecomehadalsobeen ary htin Iwas togoawaybutwithwe oneday.Theygotall a wanttokids Ricky. AnthonyMcGrath,theformer now contract.withWe ourBut theI inofdiscussionsIBF light-welterweight title bout IveworkedinIndonesia, why I wasnamesin wrong.Not saving lotandofother because my and toFloridagoingtocelebrate, thinkRickys the lotof off England solicitors thecouldntThis is a big, big trip for me, my firstagainstJuanUrangoandLasVegasis Australia, but theseof peoplefinestfromIve thoughmy beacabinet hes too theycouldntsaveenough. wife wed Vegasinstead.Itsmy streetandinto 28, gym. wewereten- actionfrombatsman, afterlegalcon- possibilityof regardingaction. ofmanypunches,Rickshedfaultnever birthday Yorkshirfacese retirementwheelchair.bracing itselfinvasion.for it, a 2,500-strong Hattersley some the seem thatthats to whenI seehadit. until RonnieFox,49, thought presentdo fromher,butshesas WesleyBehan, carpet-fitter firminghisintentiontoleave After the legal andMichaelMancunianportion Here is one everknown.areOneverydaythesurfacepeople,they Iused maker excitedasallthelads.Wildhorses IveknownRickysince theclubwithtwoyearsremain- DarrenLehmanntime to the States, the longest flight Illsmall Harehill of travellingfrom like normal, got herebut twoyearsago, thepubs tookthispub warehousemanager team wouldntkeepheraway. tothesights. year-oldsatHattersleyHighSchool ingonhiscontract.McGrath LumbsmovetoHampshire,the Tavern,whereapubonthe what youveinalotofplacesis whats over. andthis ontheestate usedthetoNewrunInn,thethepubpubfootballhisparents Imlookingforward bookedover together.Hesalways same saidinOctoberthatYorkshire, YorkshirehavelosttheirI hehadHattersley estate Hatton disappeared the arerunMostdownof wasrundown, from Wevegotahelicopter down-to-earthcharacter.beenOnlythe once becomeunhappyat leadingrun-scorersfromthreelasthave been on. Ive never been in a casino inCurt Stone, 39, window-makergrew aresomeofHattonsoldest communitything. likeouta too.Ricknowdoesandalotheofsportsmans ran,soold sincehewasa theGrandCanyonpetrifiedandImnot good didhehaveaproblem himsomegyp, forwhomhe butYorkshire seasonandarealsowithoutaTheseup. PeoplelookoutforItsyoustillandaliveofferhere.help dinners gave me a kid.HeIvewasknownalwayshimknockingabout, flyer,soIm ofthat.a Im hewas12or13.Aladatcalledschool,Timmywhen 1995,andthathadheplayedwouldsincebe captainorcoach.havenotchedunitedupfollowinghimround inother allbutright.thisThatsestatediedis whenhehelpcamewithdowntheandpubdidrecentlyme thatweuswerelip and was thanIamaboutRickysfight. Rickylethimgoonat insisted decidedtostayatSussextwofriendships, bythemilesthey ifyourenot massive a giving toousualstuff,thattellinghe us certainlymorenervousaboutthat Jamesstartedgiving himallthrough lookingtomove, should InNovember,ChrisAdamsareas, McGraththathashe stay.thatmy life. Hopefully Ill do well. I dont knowMy dad runs another local boozer, TheBritain(andnowtheworld),andby timewarp. is Itsabigcommunitywiththingus. turnhere.Thepubwaspacked betterthanusandcollectingafew JayBehan,32,joiner boxing,myrole thelessonandafterwardshejustlost heis Regan, now to said with weeksafterbeingintroducedasthestruggle facedinfindingthe wellbetaking about150people. clips the intheprocess. his andsnappedonhim. think club Yorkshiresnewmoneytodothey andVegas going ittotobeVegasbrightand reallywell,better Rickthewentcomediandown Hearound gotheadtoplayforthepub WhenRickystarted ragabouttwoseconds,withI theladit leavingeffect,the which directorof captaincricket.andit. than never lasted immediate professionalTheirtalestellthestoryofthe pretty,excitingandhappening.Illbe Idgotalong,thoughthatmayhave teambecausebythetimehewasold wasalwaystohiretheminibustoget on no Stewart Yorkshire Similarly,LumbshookhandshisThatbackwassaying:it heNonevermore,got theresponded: awhat Im going to play - a bit of beginnersRailway Inn, and Rick comes in there mostjourneyahead.andthemilesalready thewell-behavedonesoI I was social beenbecauseso mydadhadgotthe enough he washaveseriouslyaveteransintoteamhis hisparentsandgranstheandcountry.everyoneThereto more! afterthat.any Regularguy:Hatton,whotakesonUrangofortheIBFlight-welterweighttitlenextweek, chief executive, Anthonys onmove thenoptedbehindthem workerforsevenyears, knowa how comedian p***edbeforehand. boxing.Butwe hisfightsaround trouble hastheunswervingsupportofthosewhosawhimgrowupontheHattersleyestate Wehavenotified to newtodealHampshire.andHarehill Tavern, Hattersely Estate, 11.30pm, Thursday 4th January 2007, after 22 pintspage 21'