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A true inspiration

Charity visit keeps Ricky's feet firmly on the ground

Posted: 15th May 2008 10:39

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Hatton: humbling experience

It makes you feel how lucky you are when you see people who are less fortunate than yourself and it also humbles me when I see how positive Neil is in his fight against his illness. He is determined to beat his illness and I am sure he will. I wish him well.

Ricky Hatton
Quotes of the week

THE HOMECOMING
Ricky Hatton v Juan Lazcano
IBO Light-Welterweight title
Live on Sky Box Office
7.30pm, Saturday, May 24
Call 08442 410888 to book
Click here for more information

Wednesday, May 14

More media. This morning I did a conference call for all the press that can't get to the official media day at the gym on Thursday.

After that it was straight back down to the gym.

Wednesday is one of my harder days' work but it won't be long now and my mind is focused on getting into the ring a week on Saturday and doing the business against with Juan Lazcano.

The Betta Bodies gym is closed to the public, which has not always been the case. It had just got crazy with the number of people turning up and so we had to close it for this fight.

However, I got a call from the Willow Foundation. They are a charity that helps people who are suffering from serious illnesses to achieve their dreams.

It's not just what you do in the ring that makes you a champion it's what you do outside as well.

So when they told me that a young man called Neil, from Dudley, who is suffering from leukaemia had requested to come and meet me and watch me train in the gym, I jumped at the chance to meet him.

It makes you feel how lucky you are when you see people who are less fortunate than yourself and it also humbles me when I see how positive Neil is in his fight against his illness. He is determined to beat his illness and I am sure he will. I wish him well.

On a lighter note Manchester was overtaken today by nearly 100,000 Rangers fans.

You couldn't move in the centre of the city it was choca-block. The Scottish are true sports fans. I know that from when I visited Glasgow recently I got a great reception. I went for my run a little earlier last night before settling down to watch the UEFA Cup final on TV.

Sadly Rangers couldn't quite do it - I am sure I can on the 24th.