And Manchester City fan Hatton clearly believes in the old adage about keeping your "enemies" closest of all - as well as Red ace Rooney, his other belt-bearer will be Mexican boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera!
Rooney is one of several Premiership stars heading for the Thomas and Mack Center on June 23, along with fellow United stars Wes Brown, Michael Carrick and John O'Shea, Chelsea's former City ace Shaun Wright-Phillips and his brother Bradley, of Southampton, Blackburn's David Dunn, Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing and ex-England stars Bryan Robson and Nick Barmby.
Hatton and Rooney, who boxed as a teenager and is a keen fight fan, have become friends since the Scouser came to United.
Hatton said: "I have known some of his family for years - when I was 15 I went boxing in Russia and his cousin Richie was also on the team, while his brother Graham boxes amateur.
"When I found out Wayne was coming to Vegas I asked him if he would carry the belt and he said he would. So I'm a Manc and an Englishman who has got a Scouser and a Mexican carrying his belts into the ring!
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"But they are both heroes of mine. I am a big fan of Wayne, even though he plays for the wrong football team, and I have been friendly with Marco for a few years.
"I asked him some time ago to walk me out next time I fought, and he said he would. But when we found out it was Castillo, a countryman of Marco, I said I would understand if he didn't want to do it, especially as there will be a load of passionate Mexican fans inside the arena.
"But he told me `You are my family and my brother and I will carry your belt'."
THOMAS Cook are offering several travel packages for Hatton v Castillo , with prices starting at £755. For more information, visit http://secure.thomascooksport.com/boxing.php or ring 0870 752 0924
MANCHESTER area boxers pulled off a hat-trick of triumphs at the junior ABA finals at Crystal Palace at the weekend, led by Middleton lad James Barker.
The 17-year-old was too hot for Gloucester's Jonny Gardiner to lift the 54kg title, while Oldham's Ronnie Heffron - who fights out of the Boarshaw club - picked his shots perfectly to rack up a great 16-7 win in a fine bout against Parson Cross fighter Tyrone Nurse.
Lee Ward from the Bridgefoot club in Warrington snapped up the third title, at 50kg. by beating Daniel Lawlor of Birmingham.
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once a blue always a blue! WHO'S INTERESTED ANYWAY?
Can't wait to see Rooney's face as he walks out to Blue Moon
i just love it rooney, getting one over on you bitters.isn`t it funny how he never picked anyone from wastelands.then again who would,just shows you where ricky`s loyalty lies.rooney wont care what song you play,
he`s not a bitter.i think the muppet song suits you.ha ha ha champions
you are obsessed pal!
Rampant Ronaldo. Do you ever go out? Do you have a job? Or do you just talk rubbish on this forum. Rooney obviously knows a world class boxer when he see's one. You have Mick Hucknell and Angus Deaton and we have Noel Gallagher and Ricky Hatton. Well done on the Prem, I doubt you have ever been to Old Trafford! CTID