Noel Gallagher Hires Boxer Ricky Hatton As His Bodyguard

Noel Gallagher has hired British boxer Ricky Hatton as his bodyguard.

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Ricky, whose in-ring nickname is "The Hitman," will make sure there isn't a repeat of the stage invasion at Oasis' last show in Toronto, Canada, when a crazed fan knocked guitarist Noel over, leaving him with three cracked and dislodged ribs.

The band had to cancel three performances as a result of the incident. Although Noel, 41, is not fully recovered from the incident, he is determined to kick off the U.K. leg of Oasis' world tour in Liverpool next week, the band's first show since the incident.

A source close to the group said: "You would have to be brain dead to try anything while Ricky Hatton is around. He is big friends with Noel and anyone who tries to mess with him could expect a right hook."

IBO World Light Welterweight Champion Ricky - who has only suffered one defeat in his professional career, and has 35 knockouts to his name - will also introduce the band on stage.

A source from Ricky's camp said: "Ricky is a peace loving bloke who detests any form of aggression outside the proper sporting arenas. He also looks after his own."

Noel compared the clouting he received from the fan in Toronto, which knocked him onto his monitor speakers, causing the injuries, was like being hit by Ricky.

He said: "It felt like I'd been sparring with Ricky Hatton. But the perpetrator's going to get the book thrown at him."

In return for the stage introduction, Noel will carry one of Ricky's world title belts to the ring when he fights Paul Malignaggi in Las Vegas in November. He has also hinted he may appear in the video for Ricky's Christmas single "Hi Ho Ricky Hatton."