Video: Ricky Hatton calls time at the Civic

It will be 11 months before the Civic site reopens for business, when the PDC Grand Slam of Darts returns to the venue from November 12-20.

A long refurbishment will result in an extended capacity and revamped facilities after the work is completed but, until then, the city has lost one of its most-loved entertainment facilities.

The two-weight former world champion took centre stage for over 500 fans in the Wulfrun Hall, the event put on by Ken Purchase's promotion Boxfrog, writes Craig Birch.

He missed watching his beloved Manchester City, who lost 2-1 at Premier League title rivals Arsenal while Hatton was in the Black Country.

His Rolls Royce was outside with a customised number plate and the Manchester City club badge embroidered into the vehicle's head rests. It's his pride and joy, bought six weeks ago.

He posed for photographs with his adoring public in the VIP area, which was situated in the back bar of the main Civic Hall, signing photographs and memorabilia for them.

The retired 37-year-old, now a coach, promoter and noted public speaker, said: "I'm becoming a bit of a regular in these parts.

"My biggest asset in my career was my fan-base and, as long as they are happy, I'm happy. It was a really good night again.

"For these people to still come out and see me long after I've hung up my gloves, it makes me very proud. I really appreciate it.

"As you'd expect, I have a lot of good stories to tell about my boxing and I felt, with such a good audience, that the Civic was able to go out with a bang."

He headed backstage as proceedings began in the Wulfrun, hosted by master of ceremonies and comedian Jed Stone.

An auction was the last prelude to Hatton's appearance on stage just before 10pm, for a hour-long speech he's wholly capable of providing on his own.

His unique blend of storytelling and cracking jokes raised plenty of laughs and he wasn't afraid to have a giggle at his own expense.

There's no chance of him making 10st for light welterweight anymore, but he's not blown up enough to deserve the unexpected chant of 'there's only one Ricky Fatton' that came his way.

'Cheeky' followed by an expletive was the response from the headline act as he held his hands up, which led to further cheers.

Order was restored as the crowd sang 'there's only one Ricky Hatton' at the end, before 'the Hitman' hopped in his new motor and headed back home to Hyde in Greater Manchester.

Among those who met Hatton was three-year-old Georgie Gibbs, from Worcester. She's been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and needs life changing surgery.

Boxfrog and Hatton are staging an event at the Sixways Rugby Club in Worcester on April 8 to raise money for the 'Help Georgie' campaign. For more information, call 07976 842 383.