BOXING star Ricky Hatton could soon be the cham-pie-on of the world after being promised a lifetime's supply of goodies by Hollands Pies if he wins his next fight.

The Baxenden-based firm has promised Hatton, 28, pies for life if he wins the bout in January when he takes on Colombian fighter Juan Urango for the International Boxing Federation light-welterweight title.

Ricky said: "I'm a lifelong fan of Holland's and when I'm not in training I can't get enough of them.

"I'm focussed on winning the world title in January and the incentive of winning free Holland's pies for life when I return from Las Vegas with the belt is giving me extra motivation."

Simon Clarke, Holland's business unit director, said: "Joining forces with Ricky Hatton sees the union of two local heroes.

"We are really proud that he is a fan of our products and that he's taken time out of his training to help launch our new range of ready-to-eat slices, pies and rolls.

"We wish him the best of luck for his fight in Las Vegas and we hope that our vans will soon to be dropping off free pies for Ricky and his family"

Staff at Holland's have already visited Ricky's Better Bodies gym in Denton, Manchester, with one of them dressed up as a giant pie to promote the link.

While they were there, Hatton sampled several of their pies and said the chicken balti was his favourite.