WORLD champion boxer Ricky Hatton spent the weekend in Jersey raising thousands of pounds for charity.

After visiting the young offenders at Greenfields on Friday evening and the Headway charity on Saturday morning, Mr Hatton (27) spent Saturday afternoon at a fund-raising meal at La Haule Manor, where an auction of sporting memorabilia made £26,000.

The money raised is being split between Headway and Leonis Boxing Club – two local organisations which rely heavily on donations for survival.

Mr Hatton, the WBA Welterweight Champion and former WBU, WBA and IBF Light Welterweight Champion and who is undefeated in 41 professional fights, also said that he may consider using the Island for prematch training, like former Irish fighter Steve Collins.

He said: ‘This is my first visit but I really like it – I know about Steve Collins training here and it’s something I would certainly consider doing.

It seems nice and quiet, but at the same time there seems plenty to do.’