It has been said that it was the comeback exhibition fight of the decade. 10 years after retiring, boxing legend Ricky Hatton decided that it wasn’t quite time to hang his gloves up. Hatton dedicated 2022 to training and getting back into shape, training for what was arguably one of the most important fights of his career. His opponent was retired professional Mexican boxer and his long-term friend, Marco Antonio Barrera.
Herongrange were proud to be the chosen bespoke security provider for Hatton and Barrera during the lead up to the fight and on the fight night itself.
Our bespoke security team played an integral part in the events leading up to the fight, and of course the fight-night itself at Manchester’s’ AO Arena.
Throughout press conferences across multiple cities including London and Manchester, weigh-ins and other pre-fight events including hotel stays and restaurant visits, we provided Hatton, Barrera and their teams with our industry leading Close Protection Security, Executive Transport and Artist Management. The service our Security Team delivered ensured the only thing each boxing legend had to think about was being on top form.
From the time Barrera touched down in the UK he was protected by our Close Protection Officers and had use of the Executive Transport whenever he needed it – even if it was to visit friends in Blackpool and see the famous illuminations!
Before Hatton or Barrera stepped foot in any location whether that was a hotel, store or restaurant our Professional Security Teams conducted prior risk assessments to ensure the safety of the boxers and their teams at all times.
Ahead of the fight night our Senior Security Team members attended the AO Arena to carry out a detailed risk assessment. During the risk assessment the Security teams familiarised themselves with the layout, entrance and exits points and the location of the all-important dressing rooms, where Hatton and Barrera would spend a lot of time prefight getting themselves mentally and physically prepared.
It was an intense start to the night with Barrera choosing to walk with our Security Teams from his hotel past Manchester’s Victoria Station onto the AO Arena, on the way he passed fans, autograph hunters, media and paparazzi – our Security Team had pre-rehearsed the route and thankfully Barrera’s arrival at the AO Arena went seamlessly and he was able to soak up the atmosphere ahead of the big night. As we had conducted a prior risk assessment and familiarisation tour of AO Arena, we were able to direct him straight to his dressing room and help escort his family members to their seats when the time came.
Whenever a client chooses to work with Herongrange’s Bespoke Security Services team they receive not only Close Protection and access to our Executive Transport, but we will also act as Artist Management and liaison point between whoever and whatever needs sorting – in this instance we kept both Hatton and Barrera abreast of their schedules throughout the fight night, how long they had to warm up, the count down to their ring walk etc.
When the time came for these boxing legends to make their entrance into the ring, our Close Protection Officers escorted both Hatton and Barrera from their respective dressing rooms, through the maze of corridors past journalists, camera crews and VIP’s to the rear of the stage. We had planned and rehearsed the individual ring walks down to the last second, with Hatton opting for a comical entrance! Each of the fighters were met at the end of the runway, escorted through the crowd and safely into the ring, ensuring no interference from the excited audience.
Our client, the promoter of this event, was looking for something different – an enhanced service. It is the norm for a security provider to only protect Boxers as of their arrival at the fight night venue. However, in this instance, the promoter wanted Hatton and Barrera to be looked after for the entire run up to the event and help support them with Artist Management to ensure their presence and involvement with the event ran seamlessly. This is Herongrange’s unique offering, and we are proud to offer it.
“I knew from the outset that Herongrange were the right team for our Sky Sports boxing event. Having worked together on previous large-scale touring products across comedy, music and TV, they were the only company I felt able to trust with a Worldwide televised sports broadcast.
Herongrange get all the little details right – the service is punctual, discreet and efficient. But what sets them apart from others is their years of experience thinking on their feet, reacting to changes in fast paced environments. The things that you cannot plan for!
From the initial press conferences in London, to protecting the athletes during fight week and fight night itself, nothing was too much hassle for the team. They secured tables at exclusive restaurants, gained access to non-ticketed events, and were always proactive ensuring our clients happiness and wellbeing.
Most importantly my athletes were kept safe at all times, transported with no fuss, and made to feel welcome during their time with us. I look forward to working with Herongrange on many future projects, and would have no hesitation in recommending their security solutions to others.”
Herongrange Group was entrusted with the protection of Will and Ralf on tour, to deliver quality security solutions that both created a relaxed and comfortable environment for the two men, but also prioritised their safety along the way.
Herongrange’s Close Protection security service is made up of a specialised team who are equipped to deal with any issues that arise and are on constant alert for threats.
Being a celebrity may come with glamour, but at the expense of privacy and safety. Read more about our security services for celebrities and VIPs here.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has awarded Herongrange Approved Contractor Status (ACS) for Security Guarding, Key Holding & Close Protection.
