The 24-year-old fighter, who comes from Hyde, has followed his local non-league side since childhood and is President of its Independent Supporters' Club.

Hyde United face Leek Town away in the Second Round of The FA Trophy on Saturday, November 30...and Hatton is looking for victory.

Hatton, who is preparing to make the eighth defence of his WBU light-welterweight title, took time out from his hectic training schedule this week to talk about his first footballing love.

He said: "I have followed Hyde United for as long as I can remember. I get to matches whenever I can and always look out for their results.

"I am looking to give Hyde an early Christmas present - I'll be defending my title and if United can do well in The FA Trophy it would be a double whammy."

 

Hatton is passionate about football and had the chance as a youngster to carve out a career in the professional game.

At the age of 12, he attended The FA School of Excellence but, after winning three amateur national titles, decided to pursue a career in the ring rather than on the pitch.

He is also a big fan of Manchester City. The Premiership side's reserve team plays at Hyde's Tameside Stadium ground and, when his training schedule allows, Hatton watches them in action.

Hatton, who fights Brazilian Antonio Mesquita in Newcastle on December 14, said: 'Hyde United have always been a relatively good side - if you forget the time we lost 26 - 0 to Preston North End in The FA Cup.

"Unfortunately, we are in a bit of a rut at the moment, at the bottom of the Unibond Premier league, which is unusual for us.

"The FA Trophy is a fantastic cup competition for non-league teams and I'm hoping that we will have a good run in it. That could be a real boost for our league form as well."

Hyde United have reached the semi-finals of the competition on three occasions - 1988/89, 1994/95 and 1995/96.

 

They have already gone one better than last season when they were knocked out of the competition at the First Round.

Newly-appointed manager Gordon Hill, the former Manchester United and England star, is looking to guide them to the Third Round where there is a chance of a lucrative tie against the best in non-league football.

A win in the Second Round will net each of the 42 clubs £1,000 in prize money and will also offer the opportunity to be drawn against one of the Conference giants.

Title-holders Yeovil Town, currently riding high at the top of the Conference, will be among the sides to enter the country's elite non-league knockout cup competition at the Third Round.

The draw for the Third Round will be made at Liverpool FC on Monday, December 2.