Ricky Hatton's girlfriend quits job to watch big fight - after bosses refused to let her take time off

12 April 2012

Jennifer Dooley will attend Saturday's match but does not have a job to come back to

Jennifer Dooley, 26, handed in her resignation after bosses at Manchester College of Art and Technology would not give her time off to attend the much-anticipated match.

Champion Hatton is taking on Floyd Mayweather on Saturday in the Welterweight Championships. Both are previously unbeaten.

In a farewell to her students, Ms Dooley is said to have written them a letter saying she was "really sorry" and that they had been a "pleasure to teach".

She added: "PS. I will send you all an autograph when I get back from Las Vegas."

Students' parents are disappointed in Ms Dooley's decision to leave and angry with college bosses for their lack of flexibility. One mother said to the tabloid: "My daughter was very upset to hear Jennifer had gone. Ricky Hatton is a national hero.

"Surely his partner should be allowed to be with him for the biggest fight of his life. In return she could have arranged for Ricky to visit the college.

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Lecturer Jennifer could not miss boxer boyfriend Ricky take on Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas

"I think it's shortsighted and mean-spirited."

According to The Sun, college principal Peter Taverner sent his support and best wishes to the couple last night said Jennifer was a "great member of staff and excellent teacher".

He added: "We understand that she wants to support Ricky. We wish them every success and hope Ricky brings the title back."

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Wellwishers: Ant and Dec

Around 30,000 British boxing fans are heading to Las Vegas to cheer on Hatton at tomorrow's big fight.

Nearly 4,000 have tickets for the potentially bloody bout at the MGM Grand casino.

And the rest are expected to pack the desert city's many bars to watch the fight that has already broken UK betting records.

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'Gutted': Wayne Rooney wanted to be at the fight after being at Hatton's last clash

A massive £16 million has so far been staked on Hatton, 29, making the Mancunian the heaviest backed British individual sportsman yet.

And bookmakers William Hill said the clash could rake in a total of £15 million, with a spokesman adding: "The amount of money being staked on Hatton dwarfs the gamble on Lewis Hamilton to win the F1 title."

The fight has also noteched up £60 million in TV revenue beating the £48 million record set when Lennox Lewis took on Mike Tyson.

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'Do us proud': Comedian Peter Kay throws his weight behind the boxing ace

The Welterweight Championship match is considered to be the biggest fight since the 1999 clash between Oscar De La Hoya and Puerto Rican legend Felix 'Tito' Trinidad.

Hatton is the 13-8 favourite and his massive backing ringside will certainly help give the fighter an extra edge.

De La Hoya has compared the passionate English fans with those of his legendary Mexican Julio Cesar Chavez, 45, who won 107 fights during his career and drew a record crowd of 136,274 to his 1993 clash with Greg Hausen.

"I've never seen a fighter so popular, especially from England," said American De La Hoya, 34, who has already said that he wishes to fight Hatton himself next year, at Wembley Stadium on May 3.

"I would have to go back to when I was a kid watching the great, legendary Julio Cesar Chavez."

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Come on: Corronation Street 's Andrew Whymen and Michael Le Vell back their fellow Mancunian

Hatton, whose star is still in the ascendant, has also received support from several celebrities, including TV's Ant and Dec, comedian Peter Kay and Corronation Street actors Andrew Whyment and Michael Le Vell.

Even Prime Minister Gordon Brown will be watching the clash, which starts at 4am on Sunday morning, from his armchair at No10.

He said today: "It's going to be a tough fight but I know Ricky can beat anyone.

"He will have the whole country behind him and I wish him the best of luck."

But England striker Wayne Rooney revealed yesterday he was "gutted" to be unable to make it to the ring apron for the fight.

Boxing fan Rooney, 22, completed the ring walk with Hatton's belt into the Thomas and Mack Arena for Hatton's last fight against Jose Luis Castillo in June.

The Manchester United star said: "I'm gutted I won't be going but I wish him all the best, along with everyone else back in England."

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