WAYNE ROONEY revealed he was more anxious carrying Ricky HattonÂ’s title belt into the ring here than he is before England internationals.
Wayne Rooney helps Hatton into the ringHatton and Rooney have become close friends. And the Manchester United star was ecstatic after Hatton invited him to accompany him on his ringwalk.
He was one of 9,000 roaring fans who flew to Las Vegas. “I was terribly nervous – more than I am when I pull on an England shirt,” said Rooney.
“But it was a pleasure to be out here and to carry the belt in the ring was a great honour.
“I appreciate the difference between football and boxing. It is a big thing for anyone to get in the ring and fight in front of so many people. It was a big experience – one I enjoyed and hopefully I’ll get a chance to come out to another fight and see a similar result.
“It was brilliant, I was overjoyed by it. The atmosphere was fantastic. To see so many people coming from England was unbelievable, amazing.
“Ricky is a real winner, a great fighter and what a body shot. It was a great performance. The result has made the trip worthwhile.
“He is a hero of mine. I have been watching my cousin Richie box from when he was seven or eight and Ricky was on the same shows.
“I remember always watching Ricky as a kid and, since he started his professional career, I’ve watched most of his fights on the TV. He is fantastic.”
