Other Sport

The excitement is building as Ricky 'The Hitman' Hatton gets ready to defend his IBO light welterweight title fight against Jose Castillo (Sunday 24 June, 0400 BST).

Talk of the town: Ricky in Vegas

LISTEN LIVE: click on the BBC Radio Manchester link on the right hand side

BBC Radio Manchester reporters Sarah Collins and Ian Cheeseman are in Las Vegas talking to Team Hatton: Ricky himself, his trainer Billy Graham, his mum Carole and dad Ray, and brother Matthew who's fighting on the undercard. And of course, some of the 10,000 fans who've made the journey from Manchester.

Vegas reports

It's 40C in Las Vegas. So how's Ricky coping with the heat? Find out as Ricky talks to us poolside at his apartment just off The Strip. And ever wondered how hard Hatton hits? Watch The Hitman's 'half tonne' punch:

And listen to our Vegas reports to find out why Ricky's avoiding the air-conditioning at Caesar's Palace; how the training's been going; and what he thinks of his US nickname 'The Manchester Mexican!' And we talk to dad Ray Hatton as Ricky go through his paces:

How hard does the Hitman hit?

Audio diary

For the past 8 weeks, we've been following Ricky in the run up to the big fight and hearing about his preparations in detail - from the strict training regime to what he eats every day. And speaking to the people close to him - his trainer, his promoter and even his mum!

In part 8, Hatton fans Tommy Murtagh and close friend 'The Duck' from Hattersley talk about Ricky, the local boy done good, and whey they're going to Vegas:

Sunday 24 June, 0400 BST: IBO light welterweight title fight: Ricky Hatton v Jose Luis Castillo in Las Vegas