WORLD champion Ricky Hatton is coming to Ellesmere Port to help Vauxhall Motors ABC realise their American dream.
The Manchester fighter will be the star attraction at a sportsmens' dinner at Vauxhall Sports and Social Club on Friday, September 8.
Funds raised will help pay for boxers from the Vauxhall club to fly to America for a show organised by Ring 8, a New York-based veterans boxing association.
Vauxhall ABC chairman Dave Mc-Donnell is delighted that Hatton - the reigning WBA welterweight champion - has answered the club's appeal for help.
He said: 'Ricky is Britain's number one boxer and it's a real coup for the club and the town to get such a prestigious guest.
'We're extremely grateful to Ricky and he has done everything he can to help us.
'Since being invited out to America we've organised a series of fundraising events and Ricky's visit tops everything off nicely.'
The boxers fly out on September 13 for six days. Money raised will cover flights and food, with the Americans sorting out the accommodation.
Fighters from the Little Sutton-based club will appear at an event staged in the Catskill mountains while in the States.
Ring 8 have some famous names in their midst, including Sugar Ray Robinson, Jack Dempsey, Jake LaMotta and Juan Laporte, who Barry McGuigan fought against on his way to the world title.
Other fundraising events organised by Vauxhall ABC include a five-mile fun run on Sunday, September 10.
The run begins at the Civic Hall at 11am and finishes at the Straw Hat pub on Hope Farm Road.
* Tickets for 'An Evening with Ricky Hatton' are £30 per person for tables of eight or 10. The night includes an auction of boxing memorabilia, a three-course meal and a late bar.
Anyone interested in attending is urged to book early by calling Dave McDonnell (0151 355 0618), Paul Butler (0151 200 2710) or Peter Phelan (07971476605).
* Vauxhall's gym has reopened for novice sessions. They are at 4.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
