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Hatton and his knockout girl to wed
Brian Lashley
February 20, 2009
BOXER Ricky Hatton is to tie the knot with long-term girlfriend Jennifer Dooley.
The 'Hitman' floored his family by breaking the news on Valentine's Day during a Caribbean cruise.
Ricky, 30, popped the question the night before and made the announcement as his mum Carol, dad Ray and other relatives enjoyed the on-board entertainment near the tropical island of St Martin.
But mystery surrounds exactly how the Hyde boxer, famed for his down to earth attitude, asked for Jennifer's hand in marriage.
Ray said: "Knowing him he's probably walked in and said to her `how about this then?' I don't think he would have gone down on one knee.
"We are very happy for them. There was no big announcement, he just made a bit of a joke of it when he told us.
Wedding bells
"There are no wedding bells at the moment, and he's told his mum not to start looking for a hat just yet.
"Jennifer realises he's still got a way to go in his career and he wants to start different companies and do boxing promoting."
Beaming Jennifer, 30, a former college lecturer, has been spotted with a huge sparkling engagement ring.
Ricky and Jennifer first met as five-year-olds at Rosehill Primary School and have been together for four years.
The couple count Wayne Rooney and Coleen McLoughlin among their friends, but are rarely seen in Manchester's celebrity haunts.
Ricky is said to like nothing better than relaxing wearing his specs and slippers and cuddling up to Jennifer at their home, named Heartbreak Hotel in a tribute to Elvis.
He has a son, Campbell, from a former relationship.
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