Press Release: World junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton has been awarded the  Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the  Queen's New Year's Honours list. "I got the letter through asking me if I'd accept it a few weeks ago," Hatton was quoted as saying. "I couldn't believe it - I'm still a little gobsmacked, to be honest. It's a huge honour and a privilege... something I never expected in a million years. When I turned pro I knew I could do pretty well out of boxing but I never dreamed I'd go on to win world titles in two different weight, top the bill in front of thousands of fans in my hometown (Manchester), top the bill in America, sign massive contracts with HBO and all the other things I've done. But getting something like an MBE is even beyond that. I'm very, very proud." Hatton, who won but vacated the WBA welterweight title last year, believes he has been recognised for the way he carries himself outside the ring as much as for his achievements inside the squared circle. Often without publicity or fanfare, the Hitman does as much charity work as any active sportsman in Great Britain and is known throughout boxing as one of the sport's true down to earth nice guys. "These are the people that pay my wages," Hatton shrugged. "I'm lucky enough to have thousands of fans paying good money to come see me fight and to be honest, I don't think a couple of autographs and a bit of my free time is too much for them to expect back in return.