RICKY HATTON'S £100M PAYOUT

GOLDEN BOY - Ricky Hatton will be raking it in

Hitman on course to be Britain's richest fighter

FRANK WARREN - under threat

From STEVE LILLIS in Las Vegas, 02/05/2009

RICKY HATTON is in on the verge of becoming Britain's richest ever boxer.

The Hitman's ring earnings soared to £47million early on Sunday, even though he was knocked out by Manny Pacquiao for boxing's pound-for-pound crown at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.

That means just one more fight will see the golden boy sprint past current top earner Lennox Lewis, who banked £60m when he dominated the heavyweight division.

With plans to crack it as a promoter, property investments at home and abroad, his own leisurewear range and a new £2.5m state-of-the-art private members' gym, Hatton is expected to smash the magical £100m barrier inside five years.

Britain's most popular boxer is also is huge demand as an after-dinner speaker, stand-up comedian and chat show host.

And with the Hatton brand looking like a licence to print money, no wonder the 30-year-old light-welterweight star is winding down his ring career.

Screen

Hatton is already worrying the world's top promoters, having staged sell-out shows in Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester showcasing the young talent he promotes.

Ricky is also tipped to land a six-fight deal with Sky Sports, who will screen Hatton Promotions' fight cards. Hatton warned the likes of Frank Warren and Frank Maloney: "I believe my promotional company can become one of the biggest in the world.

"I've worked with promoters good and bad and seen it from both sides and I like to feel that with the experience I have gained I'll be able to look after all my fighters properly.

"The difference is I've laced the gloves and been in there and done it. I got off my backside and went down to watch the lads train. It's about going that extra mile. I'm looking at possible world champions here. They're putting their faith in me so I'll bend over backwards to make sure they get the opportunities they deserve."

Comic

Thousands are expected to become member of Hatton's gym where members will pay up to £36 a month to train alongside the two-weight world champion. Hatton, who banked £12m for this morning's Pacquiao clash, added: "I want my gym to become a magnet for the best boxers in the country."

Hatton earns £15,000 a night as an after-dinner speaker and stand-up comic that fills around 30 nights a year in his crammed schedule. Hatton has just bought a new £750,000 house that will treble in value when building work - including an indoor swimming pool, gym and games room - is completed.

Hatton's new home is close to his current four-bed semi near Manchester and he'll move in with fiancée Jennifer later this year.

Following last week's article on Ricky Hatton, we would like to make it clear his son lives with his mother, Claire, rather than with Ricky himself. We are happy to clear up any misunderstanding.

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