Q&A WITH RICKY HATTON

HBO got a chance to ask Ricky Hatton a few questions as he prepared for his title fight against Juan Urango. Recently recognized by the Queen of England as a Member of the British Empire, Hatton talks about life and fame in Manchester and his legacy.

by Nat Gottlieb

HBO: You recently were recognized by the Queen of England and given the title of MBE, or Member of the British Empire. Tell us your feelings about that honor.

HATTON: When I first walked into a gym as a ten year old in Hattersley I never dreamed I would become a world champion let alone get an MBE. It is amazing; I had to pinch myself. I was lost for words. It means a lot to me but also for my Mum and Dad -- Carol and Ray -- and to all my family and friends who helped me along the way. I am nervous about the prospect of meeting the Queen; more than I will have been for any of my opponents

HBO: All reports indicate you are having a great training camp, both physically and mentally. Did returning to your regular weight class have anything to do with this?

HATTON: It's fair to say that my last performance was not vintage Ricky Hatton. There are lots of reasons and I dont want to go over old ground. I have allowed more time in training camp, the fight is in Las Vegas and this is my first time as a headliner so I want to put a show on for all my fans.

HBO: Stylistically, how does Juan Urango match up with you?

HATTON: I think the fans are in for a treat. we both have come forward styles and I am sure there will be a few sparks flying.

HBO: I understand 2,000 of your fans are flying over for the fight. What kind of reception do you expect from the American fans in the Las Vegas crowd?

HATTON: I have sold that many tickets to the Brits; I am not sure if there will be any American fans there. The demand has been amazing. A lot of my fans have been waiting for me to fight in Vegas and have been saving up for this day. But seriously, I know the American fans love to see action and a good old scrap. I won't let them down and I hope to win them over.

HBO: Lennox Lewis and Wayne McCullough are two of the rare UK fighters to have come here for the bulk of their career. You, Joe Calzaghe and great fighters like Nigel Benn, John Conteh and Barry McGuigan, to name a few, did the bulk of their fighting in the UK. Was there ever a point you considered relocating here, and what went into your decision to stay in England?

HATTON: I have always wanted to fight the very best and that means coming to America. I have always wanted to fight at Las Vegas and the other big American fight venues like The Garden and Boardwalk Hall. I live a simple life. I still have the same friends that I had when I was at school. I love nothing more than having a few beers in the local pub and watching Manchester City. So no, I have never considered relocating and moving to America even though I love the place. In fact, as soon as the fight is over I will be joining my family in Las Vegas for a short vacation.

HBO: If you and Castillo get through the night victorious, every sign points to the two of you squaring off next. Castillo has fought some of the best fighters in the game. How do you think that fight would play out?

HATTON: A War. Like the Hagler v Hearns fights in the 70's. I am the strongest at 140lbs in the world and I know how to make it a war. I see it a Hatton victory and maybe even fight of the year. If not I see people always remebering the fight as it will be brutal.

HBO: You are known as just a regular guy outside the ring, despite your great success. Tell us what is like for you when you spend time with your fellow Manchester residents, where you go, the way you are treated.

HATTON: I am just plain old Ricky. I drink in the same pubs that I have always drank in. They don't treat me any different now just because I am a world champion. They still tell me when its my round.I wouldn't have it any other way.

HBO: I understand for the last two weeks before the fight you will be training at former Irish world bantamweight champ McCullough's gym above his garage. Of all the gyms in Las Vegas, why did you pick Wayne's?

HATTON: Wayne and Cheryl are old friends. I did superstars with Wayne... The less said about that the better. I was rubbish.

Wayne has a great gym that offers privicy. My team looked at a few gyms in Las Vegas and Wayne's is up with the best. I like to be around friends in training and Wayne's place is just right.

HBO: In a perfect world, how would 2007 play out for you?

HATTON: Beat Urango... Beat Castillo... Beat Mayweather or another world champion... Manchester city to win the league... Visit the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

HBO: Your father Ray has been with you since day one, and is still your manager. Tell us about your relationship with him, and how it has evolved over the course of your career.

HATTON: Father and Son all the way through. Nothing has changed except he does the big fight deals and I earn more money.

HBO: When you retire, what kind of plans have you made for your future?

HATTON: I will hopefully get into training fighters, some media work and I enjoy doing dinner speaking engagements at the moment.

HBO: Who is your favorite fighter of all time, and what one boxer active today, forgetting weight class, would you most love to fight?

HATTON: Past: Roberto Duran. Present: Floyd Mayweather Jnr.

HBO: What do you think will be the Ricky Hatton legacy?

HATTON: I will leave that to the fans to decide for me. But I hope they will say he never trash talked his opponents, he fought the best fighters, he was always in great fights and gave value for money. Oh, and the dodgy shirts he wore at his after fight parties.