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by David P. Greisman - Contrary to his professional namesake, this Hitman thrives when others aim for him.
As he set his sights for success, Ricky Hatton laid the groundwork for fame and fortune. All but four of his first 40 fights took place in the United Kingdom. Sixteen of those were within the borders of his native Manchester, all but three of which were in a ring inside that city’s M.E.N. Arena.
A darts-shooting, beer-swilling prospect kept those extracurriculars but majored in punching and mauling, growing into a contender and eventually a champion. He became a national name, a regional draw, a local hero. He became a star.
Hatton was promoted like boxers once were when the Sweet Science was nowhere near niche. He became Manchester’s third franchise, a man who could fill arenas and stadiums. And when he hit the States, he filled planes and hotels and, best of all, bank accounts.
With Hatton came hordes of supporters, crowds who flocked to weigh-ins and press conferences, who bought tickets by the thousands and brought songs and chants praising their man. They came to Las Vegas again and again, celebrating in victory and remaining there through defeat. When a hero who had never before let them down was felled, hurt and beaten, their song was a tribute to what he had done before and a promise to be there again. [details]
As he set his sights for success, Ricky Hatton laid the groundwork for fame and fortune. All but four of his first 40 fights took place in the United Kingdom. Sixteen of those were within the borders of his native Manchester, all but three of which were in a ring inside that city’s M.E.N. Arena.
A darts-shooting, beer-swilling prospect kept those extracurriculars but majored in punching and mauling, growing into a contender and eventually a champion. He became a national name, a regional draw, a local hero. He became a star.
Hatton was promoted like boxers once were when the Sweet Science was nowhere near niche. He became Manchester’s third franchise, a man who could fill arenas and stadiums. And when he hit the States, he filled planes and hotels and, best of all, bank accounts.
With Hatton came hordes of supporters, crowds who flocked to weigh-ins and press conferences, who bought tickets by the thousands and brought songs and chants praising their man. They came to Las Vegas again and again, celebrating in victory and remaining there through defeat. When a hero who had never before let them down was felled, hurt and beaten, their song was a tribute to what he had done before and a promise to be there again. [details]
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