RICKY Hatton has signed for a team which includes Luis Figo, Patrick Vieira, Rio Ferdinand ... and the Williams Formula One squad!

The rising Manchester boxing ace has done a deal with Old Trafford-based World Sports Solutions, to handle his commercial, business and image rights.

And that puts him in exalted company, as WSS already handle some of the world's top footballers, as well as Williams and golf legend Gary Player.

It is testimony to Hatton's growing popularity and WSS believe he will develop into a major star.

His next fight, a World Boxing Union light-welterweight title defence, is already expected to be a 20,000 sell-out at Manchester Evening News Arena - and WSS aim to help the Hitman cash in.

Down-to-earth Hatton does not have the showbiz style of Naseem Hamed or Chris Eubank, but WSS intend to capitalise on his no-nonsense Mancunian character.

"Ricky is a bit different, a boxing man's boxer, someone who is very, very good at his trade," says chief executive Mike Farnan.

"We are not asking him to become flamboyant, because it is not in his nature. But if he does the demolition work in the ring, plenty of companies will see him as the perfect vehicle for their products.

"He has a tremendous disposition, does an awful lot for charities and all kinds of good causes and his image is fantastic."

Preparation

Hatton has had to tone down his celebration of his beloved Manchester City's promotion this week, as he is getting down to serious training for his meeting with Commonwealth champion Eamonn Magee at the M.E.N. Arena on June 1.

But he is delighted with the WSS deal. "In boxing, your next fight could be your last, as lads like Spencer Oliver and Paul Ingle have discovered, through no fault of their own," he says. "So it is very important to get as much exposure and financial gain as possible.

"I have a baby son, Campbell, to provide for now as well, so having other doors open to me away from boxing is very important."

Hatton believes Magee is trying to intimidate him in the build-up to their clash, but has a simple message for the hard man from the Ardoyne: "It's not working!"

Hatton said: "Eamonn and his people did all the talking at the Press conference last week, and I am happy to let them get on with it.

"When all the cameras and Press men have gone, it will be me and him, standing alone in the ring.

"He is clearly a very confident man going into the fight, but I suspect he will think otherwise after a few rounds."