Ricky Hatton likes being called the Hitman. And man, can he hit, as Ray Oliveira found out at London's ExCel Centre last night as the British light-welterweight defended his World Boxing Union title for the 15th time inside 10 bloody and brutal rounds.

Tonight really will be the last of Ricky Hatton's world title fights against somebody from one of boxing's forgotten lists.

Managers are as susceptible to fashion as anyone but despite Chelsea's continuing success not every aspiring boss will be mimicking Jose Mourinho's designer stubble, and matching overcoat and open-necked shirt this weekend. When the cameras pan to Martin Allen during Sunday's FA Cup tie at Hinckley expect the Brentford manager to appear clean-shaven, suited and booted. Otherwise it will cost him.

Jazz drummer at the heart of British bebop

Here we go again with yet another pit-stop on the seemingly endless learning curve of Ricky Hatton's career.

An investigation has begun into claims that prison officers at a young offenders' institution put black and white youths in the same cell and then placed bets on when they would start fighting.

THE DESTINY of two of England's senior clubs currently fallen on difficult times could rest in the the hands of two Seoul Olympic gold medallists. Do not be surprised if a third, Hounslow's Jon Potter, does not once again respond favourably to the cry for help.

Letter:

ENGLAND MAINTAINED their unbeaten record in the European Nations Cup in Padua yesterday, when they drew 3-3 with the Netherlands to finish second to Dutch in their pool.

DANNY HALL scored twice as England registered their second win of the European Nations Cup here yesterday as they came from behind to beat France 4-1.

JAYNE PASQUALE finds it hard to believe that the smiling boy in the photograph has turned into a pathetic figure who can only shuffle round his cell following a suicide attempt at Feltham Young Offenders Institute.