The success of Khan and Hatton on the world stage in recent years is playing its part in the development of wannabe professional fighters around the country, who now have two examples of working class kids making it to the top in the sport.
Amateur boxer Jake Lee from Bristol, who was about 30 minutes away from his own bout at the National Amatuer Boxing Finals, said: "I've looked up to great boxers ever since I came into this sport, you know, and they don't get much greater than Hatton and Khan."
Amateur boxer Jake Lee worships Hatton and Khan
Lee Pattinson from Rotherham said: "When you look at the way those guys conduct themselves, in and out the ring, it's a great example to lads like me who want to make it in the sport.
"Khan is quality and I might get to meet him tonight or tomorrow if I'm lucky as he could be coming here, what with Bolton being his home town, and I think he has something to do with hosting the event too."
Barney Thornhurst said after winning his fight against Liam Saunders: "Ricky Hatton's a bit of a hero of mine, I try to style myself on him, you know, all action, always coming forward and battering my opponents into submission; that's the way to do it."
Both Khan and Hatton are from Lancashire and have been, or are world champions. Khan will make his American debut against Paulie Malignaggi in May, while Hatton, who has only been beaten by Manny Paqciao and Floyd Mayweather, is still undecided about whether to fight on or retire.
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