For The Hitman will be guest of honour at a special charity fund-raising dinner at The Dome in December - and organisers are promising an evening that is set to prove a big hit with fans of the Mancunian boxer.

Hatton, one of the most popular British fighters of all time and a two-time IBF and IBO Light Welterweight Champion, is a big-hitter on the after dinner circuit and the star fighter has promised to meet up and chat with fans when he comes to the venue on December 15.

The event is in aid of the Aurora Centre, the local organisation which provides beauty treatments and pampering treats for cancer sufferers and organiser Martin Blagden is determined the night will be a knockout success.

He said: "Ricky Hatton is one of the biggest names in British boxing - he's a real legend and has got lots of fans. I am confident lots of people will want to come along and see him and do their bit to help us at the same time."

Hatton has won 44 of his 45 fights, 31 of them by knockout and made his debut in September 1997 against Colin McAuley in Widnes, while in his second fight Hatton boxed at Madison Square Garden in New York.

His last fight was in May this year when he beat Mexican Juan Lazcano by unanimous decision in front of his home crowd of 55,000 - a post-World War II record for a boxing match in Britain - at the City of Manchester Stadium to retain The Ring Magazine and IBO light welterweight titles.

The 30-year-old is due to box Paulie Malignaggi of the United States at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas on November 22 of this year for Hatton's IBO Light Welterweight title.

Added Martin: "We are really pleased we have managed to get Ricky to come and support us. It promises to be a great night for everyone."

Tickets for the bash are £100 each, with tables of ten available. The night will include a silver service meal and special guests Picasso.

Tickets are on sale at The Dome box office on (01302) 370777 or at www.the-dome.co.uk