Hatton's a big hit at new Rose gym

Brian Rose got star backing at the grand opening of his new gym and fitness centre in Blackpool '“ from none other than former world champion Ricky Hatton.
Brian Rose (left)  with Ricky Hatton at the gym openingBrian Rose (left)  with Ricky Hatton at the gym opening
Brian Rose (left) with Ricky Hatton at the gym opening

The famed Hitman did the honours at the Brian Rose Boxing and Fitness Gym on Talbot Road in the town centre.

And Hatton lived up to his nickname by being a hit as he relived his boxing career in a question-and-answer session conducted by entertainer Joey Blower, who compiled a video montage of the defining moments of the boxer’s glittering career.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Hatton talked about his life in boxing and revealed that he was ready to wind down his promotional activities to concentrate fully on training fighters.

And the audience, made up of guests and sponsors who have helped Rose in his own career, saw video footage of an up-and-coming youngster in the form of Hatton’s 15-year-old son Campbell, who did more than a passing impersonation of his dad working out in the gym.

Rose, proud owner of a Lonsdale Belt outright, has put his resources into the new centre, which boasts a boxing ring, weights room, spinning-room, rest area and other up-to-date equipment.

There was a special fund-raising theme to the evening too in the form of a raffle to aid sepsis charities.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

On hand to speak about this was recently crowned Miss Teen Great Britain Ashley Wild, from Poulton.

It is a cause extremely close to her heart as her father died after contracting the illness earlier this year.

Among the prizes was a glove signed by Lytham’s Scott Cardle, the British lightweight champion, who was also in attendance.