RICKY HATTON returns to the ring tomorrow (sat) night but instead of throwing the punches he’ll be telling his protégé how to win.

The former two-weight world champion launches a new career as a trainer when his first fighter Adam Little boxes Billy Smith at Oldham Leisure Centre.

Ricky admits he will “nervous” before the four rounder but says: “I have picked up so much knowledge in the ring over the years and I am in the perfect position to advise my boxers outside the ring.

“I am there because I feel something for my fighter and cannot have it any other way. I will care about his welfare and health more than anything.

“The closer I get to Adam he will know I have his interest at heart.”

Hatton has trained the 20-year-old for more than a month and is impressed by the Blackpool welterweight who has won all three professional fights so far.

He added: “It will take time for me to build a reputation, but  it is going so well with Adam.

“He is really talented and although we have only been together for a few weeks, you’d think we’d been together for years.”

Although all eyes will be on the ‘Hitman’ in his new career, the main event sees Manchester’s Denton Vassell make the second defence of his Commonwealth welterweight crown against Australian Samuel Colomban.

Other fights on the Oldham bill:  Paul Truscott v Dezzie Higginson, Matty Askin v Roman Kracic, Kieran Farrell v Youssef Al Hamidi, Jazza Dickens v  James Ancliff, Adam Little v Billy Smith and Kieran Maher v Gavin Putney.

Boxing starts at 6.15pm and tickets priced at £35, £55 and £75 VIP ringside. You can buy by calling 01925 755 222, Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500, Ticketline 0844 888 9991 or online www.hattonboxing.com