Becks leads stars in Las Vegas to cheer for Hatton as boxer's dream ends

David Beckham led a host of celebrities cheering for British boxer Ricky Hatton in his failed bid to become world champion in Las Vegas yesterday.

Becks, who regularly exchanges text messages with the fight star, was also joined by Coleen McLoughlan, Gwen Stefani and Brad Pitt alongside Angelina Jolie in the showdown with Floyd Mayweather.

Hatton, 29, was knocked out in the 10th round before the match was stopped at the glittering arena at the MGM Grand Casino.

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But Beckham, 32, "wouldn't have missed the event for the world", a friend of the LA Galaxy star said. "The two have become good friends now and like to keep in touch," he added.

The pair met in Los Angeles while the Hitman was promoting his fight with unbeaten Mayweather, 34.

Hatton invited the England midfield ace to be a ringside guest for the what was described as the "clash of the decade".

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So Becks managed watch the fight before sprinting across the Vegas Strip to hear Posh and Co.

Mancunian Hatton has praised the former Manchester United star in the past.

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"I'd never seen a man more groomed in my life.

"He was only there to watch a football match, but there wasn't a hair out of place and his eyebrows were plucked . . . I've never been that smart in my life.

"I can't speak any higher of him. When you think how much he is in the public eye and to remain so humble proves he is a class act."

However, Hatton, now established as one of the most recognised faces in the world of sport, has admitted he is still stunned at mixing with celebrities. Scroll down for more...

"Just the other day he texted me and said he can't wait for the fight and it was his first major boxing show.

"When I received the first one I had to tell my dad. I have to pinch myself sometimes."