 | From boxing at the working men's clubs in and around Manchester, to this - it's unbelievable |
Ricky Hatton has promised his legion of travelling fans fireworks when he makes his Las Vegas debut next Saturday. Three thousand Brits are expected to be in attendance when Manchester's Hatton challenges Colombian Juan Urango for his IBF light welterweight belt.
"That number just a couple of weeks after Christmas and New Year is exceptional," said the 28-year-old.
"I'm expecting fireworks, they're in for a winner. I want them to feel like they've witnessed something special."
Hatton, who is unbeaten in 41 fights, is looking to regain the title he won from Kostya Tszyu in 2005.
Hatton defended the belt just once, against Colombia's Carlos Maussa, before stepping up to dethrone WBA welterweight champion Luis Collazo last May.
"I can't help thinking this fight will be exciting, we've got the right opponent to make it something special," added Hatton.
"Neither of us will be taking a backwards step. We'll each be taking a big punch to give a big punch and going for the knockout.
"You would expect it not to go the distance. But because we've been built to take a punch - we're short, stocky and have strong shoulders - there's a chance there could be a 12-round war."
Hatton will be fulfilling a life-long ambition when he steps into the ring at the Paris Hotel, as well as following in the footsteps of some of Britain's greatest fighters.
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However, Hatton will want to fare better than Naseem Hamed, Frank Bruno, Lloyd Honeyghan and Barry McGuigan, all of whom perished on their Vegas debuts.
"From where I come from, boxing at the working men's clubs in and around Manchester, to this - it's unbelievable," he said.
"My family and close friends are going to walk down the strip and see my name up on the big screen and the flashing lights.
"It's quite emotional to be honest. All these things make me more determined to put on a really good show."
If Hatton manages to beat Urango, a super-fight with Mexico's former lightweight world champion Jose Luis Castillo is on the cards.
However, he will not be underestimating Urango, who is undefeated in 18 professional encounters.
The 26-year-old won a unanimous decision over Australia's Naoufel Ben Rabah last June to claim his IBF crown.
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Feature: Hatton family head for Las Vegas