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Nosey fans drive Ricky to househunt

Adam Derbyshire
4/ 6/2008

BOXING champ Ricky Hatton is upping sticks and hunting for a new home after being plagued by autograph hunters.

Despite risking a thump, fans eager to get a glimpse of the local hero knock on the door and even peer through the front room windows.

The 29-year-old lived with mum and dad Ray and Carol in Gee Cross until he was 25, before moving out... to a house just minutes away.

The down-to-earth fighter has lived there for three years but after becoming one of the most recognisable faces in British sport, he’s decided it’s time for fresh surroundings.

But keen to stay true to his roots, he’s pledged to not go too far.

He said: "I have a nice house but it’s no mansion. It’s on a normal street and anyone can walk up and knock on the door or come up and look through the windows — and they do!

"I’m looking for a new house in the same area. It will have a wall around it for a bit more security!"

After beating Juan Lazcano at the City of Manchester stadium almost a fortnight ago, the Hyde Hitman is taking a well-deserved rest.

He is expected to return in a world title clash against light welterweight Paulie Malignaggi in the autumn.