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LORD of the ring: Number one fan James Bowes .
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High hopes for Ricky fight
5/12/2007
GOOD luck messages have flooded in as Ricky Hatton’s day of destiny draws ever closer.
The Hyde Hitman is determined to become the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet by defeating Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
In two days the whole world will be watching, but the biggest cheer of all will be coming from a little corner of Hattersley.
Number one fan James Bowes is backing the local hero to upset the odds and reckons Ricky will "knock spots" off his cocky Michigan rival.
James, of Hattersley Road East, was born with hydrocephalus – water on the brain – and was terminally ill for many years. In a cruel twist of fate, the family suffered further heartbreak in 2002 when James’ mum Julie died suddenly, aged 37.
Since then, James and his four brothers and sisters have been brought up by their gran Joyce Hodson, Julie’s mum.
Ricky calls the plucky youngster his "inspiration" and made him guest of honour at the pre-fight shindig in Manchester in September.
James, 18, underwent a pioneering operation in 2003 which saved his life. He became the boxer’s mascot, carrying his belts into the ring for several fights.
Gran Joyce said: "Ricky has always kept a close eye on his progress. Although the op relieved the pressure on his brain, he still suffers regular epileptic fits.
"Consequently James isn’t well enough to fly over there, but he’ll be cheering him on at home.
"He can’t wait and said he’s putting all his pocket money on Mayweather getting knocked out in the fourth round."
l He’ll be fighting way past their bedtime but pupils at Mottram Primary — Ricky’s old school — will be rooting for him too. Headteacher Judith Chapman said: "Although he left 17 years ago, I remember him well. He was a kind and gentle boy, just an ordinary nice lad. You’d never have believed he’d end up fighting for a living! It’s on a bit too late at night for me but I’ll be cheering him on in my sleep."
l Kerry Jackson, acting manager at Betta Bodies gym in Denton where Ricky’s Phoenix Camp is based, said: "We’ve never seen him in better shape. His schedule is bang-on and he’s looking great. We reckon he’ll do the business."
Speaking before she flew out yesterday, Ricky’s mum Carol thanked everyone for the messages of support.
She said: "He’s never felt better, so fingers crossed, he’ll be alright."
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9/12/2007 at 14:30