There is nothing quite like fighting at home. In your territory. With your fan base. In your comfort zone.

Oscar de la Hoya thanked East LA after his efficient schooling of Steve Forbes in their competitive enough match at the weekend. It was a decent tune-up for the Golden Boy's return fixture with Floyd Mayweather.

Hatton: back to basics

It was also a wonderful chance for people to go and see de la Hoya before he calls it quits at the end of 2008. A huge open air crowd of 27,000 packed the Home Depot Center in California for his homecoming.

An astonishing 55,000 are flocking for Ricky Hatton's in Manchester on May 24th. And the Hitman doesn't intend to let them down.

We're now only two weeks away. Its gone incredibly quickly and Hatton's been back in his familiar old Denton gym easing gently down towards his much favoured light-welterweight limit. Those two attempts up at 10st 7lbs against Luis Collazo and Floyd Mayweather didn't entirely suit the Hitman and he promises he will be back to his ferocious best at 10st. Kerry Kayes is, of course, on hand with his regular nutritional tips and guidance.

But there is an element in the camp about going back to basics this time. Years of toil on Billy Graham's body belt - and more importantly on his hands - have made their traditional work harder. Ricky's father Ray also felt it was crucial to bring in pad-work for Hatton's preparation.

Enter a helping hand. Lee Beard's, a quiet, unassuming young trainer who has been working with Matthew Hatton and is obviously delighted to land such a major role while still in his early 30s. He very much answers to Billy, and has not in any way replaced Graham; but it shows the Hatton's want someone fresh and are trying something different.

Personally I'm very glad Billy is still the leading light. The trainer is normally first out if something goes wrong, and Ricky has kept loyal to a fabulous boxing figure who treats his long-time pupil like a son. They have gone through so much together; and it's right they should see it through to the end, side by side.

There is more to come, but I know Billy doesn't want Ricky to go on and on. Maybe two or three more. When Ricky hangs the gloves up, Billy intends to retire to his wildlife sanctuary out in Atlanta.

Frenetically

And over the pond lies Juan Lazcano. The Tex-Mex fighter has brought one of the top American coaches on board to try and dissect Hatton. My colleagues Ed Robinson and David Caine have just been to see Lazcano in Houston under the master tutelage of Ronnie Shields. Word is that he is training frenetically for this chance of a lifetime.

He'll get quite a welcome in Manchester - by those Hatton fans who have paid anything from £30 to £500-plus just to be a part of the big event.

There have been rumours aplenty about wider entertainment on the night. James and Russell Watson have been mentioned. Meanwhile Sky's director Mike Allen - who brought us those awesome Naseem Hamed ringwalks - is currently sharpening his technical tools to give fans the best Blue Moon entrance yet. And it will be wonderful to see Ricky's friend James Bowers back carrying the belts, having not been able to travel Stateside to be with his hero.

Ricky also seems very happy and relaxed with his lovely girlfriend Jennifer - she has become a really big part of the team. They have recently acquired a new dog 'Franny Lee' for Ricky's son Campbell, and it seems home really is where the heart is for the Hitman.

And it does help.

Ask Rendall Munroe, who brought his bunch of merry bin men a few miles to Nottingham last week. Those fluorescent jackets were everywhere, and Munroe didn't want to let any of them down in his first European defence. Im still not quite sure how Salem Bouaita intended to win the fight - his messy, infuriating style reminded me of a poor version of Carlos Maussa, the ungamely Colombian who once tackled Hatton. Munroe kept his cool - and his title.

Home advantage could prove crucial this Friday Fight Night - there is a massive chance for Middlesbrough's talented Paul Truscott. He's just celebrated his 22nd birthday and will be hoping to become a champion in only his 11th fight.

Opportunity knocks

'Opportunity Knocks' is a saying we like in boxing. After just 10 straight wins, Truscott aims to bring the Commonwealth Featherweight title back to the North East. Sunderland's Billy Hardy used to own this belt.

Yet it could be a tough task against the Ghanaian Osumanu Akaba. Darlington' s Isaac Ward knows how hard the Africans can be - he was drilled to defeat by Anyetei Laryea. They breed them strong over on the dusty streets of Accra.

Truscott's classy and I've picked him as one to watch recently, but is this coming too soon? If there's a criticism of him, its that he is a bit upright and looks a little brittle - is he mature enough mentally and physically to rise to the occasion?

Boxing certainly needs a lift in the North East. The news of Michael Hunter's retirement and the fact that Nigel Wright has not transferred his natural ability into championship-winning performances means the sporting-mad area are really hoping someone special comes through soon.

They might get it eventually via the gifted amateurs working their way through the McCrory factory. Glenn remains the only world champion from the North East... but I'm sure he'd be delighted to see another crowned soon.

First major step for young Truscott. The good news is that he can fight and he can sell tickets.

Not quite as many as the Hitman can though! I'm back up to see Ricky this week for a guided tour of the City of Manchester stadium. It really is one of his dreams to fight there. Talk about some homecoming planned!

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