Premiership stars are proud as punch as Ricky Hatton boxes to victory

The Manchester United star joined Mexican boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera in holding up Hatton's IBO and "Ring" belts prior to the Hitman's fourth-round demolition of Mexico's Jose Luis Castillo.

But Rooney, who has been a good friend of Hatton for a number of years, even revealed he had suffered a rare attack of nerves prior to clambering into the ring.

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Wayne Rooney celebrates with Ricky Hatton after his Las Vegas win

Rooney said: "I was more nervous than I am for United. To walk in alongside Barrera was unbelievable. To be part of it tonight I am obviously overjoyed and proud."

Rooney, who sat in a front-row seat alongside fiancee Coleen in a crowded celebrity section, first met Hatton when the fighter and Rooney's cousin Richie were young England amateur team-mates.

Rooney added: "I used to go to all the fights involving my cousin and Ricky would be on the same bill. I've watched most of his fights and I admire the way he boxes and the way he does his job.

"It was my first time in Vegas. You're used to doing certain things then something like this comes along and it's completely different. To see so many people over from England was amazing.

"Ricky was brilliant. The way he fights has always been exciting and his best shots have always been his body shots. I think he proved that with a great performance."

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Wayne's girlfriend Coleen McLoughlin enjoys the buzz with Hatton's girl Jennifer

Meanwhile, the "WAGS" of the evening - Wayne and Ricky's girlfriends Coleen and Jessica, looked relaxed in black and got into the fighting spirit to cheer on Ricky to his win.

They were in good company, surrounded by a host of other Premiership footballing stars and British celebrities.

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Max Beesley takes boxing seriously while Robbie Williams has other things on his mind at the match...

Actor Max Beesley, dressed down in t-shirt and leather jacket, looked serious as he contemplated Hatton's win from the stadium. Also among the crowd, singer Robbie Williams was joined by friends to watch the match. Robbie sported a t-shirt with a picture of Madeleine McCann to help bring awareness to the missing girl's parents' campaign to find her.

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Rio Ferdinand is gripped with boxing fever while Lock, Stock actors Vinny Jones and Jason Statham smarten up for the bout

More footballers gathered in the crowd including Rio Ferdinand who was joined by Brian Robson for the bout. Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels stars Vinny Jones and Jason Statham were almost in character as the two tough men watched the match excitedly.

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Wayne Rooney and girlfriend Coleen McLoughlin before the crowds arrive to see Ricky Hatton punch to victory

Meanwhile, after all their weddings in England, and holidaying in Dubai, Wayne and Coleen looked content to let someone else take the limelight for once. They chatted away, relaxed and laid back at the match.

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Up front: Wigan's Titus Bramble and Newcastle United's Kieron Dyer watch Ricky Hatton defeat Mexico's Jose Luis Castillo, and far right, Chelsea's Shaun Wright Phillips with his brother Bradley to his left

For others it was more of an occasion and fellow Premiership stars enjoyed a beer as they watched the match. Players Titus Bramble, Kieron Dyer and Shaun Wright Phillips saw Hatton defeat Castillo at the Thomas and Mack Centre in Las Vegas - before heading into the night to continue the party.