Ricky Hatton v Vyacheslav Senchenko: Bob Shannon claims destiny brought the Hitman to him The veteran trainer, 25 years in the business, then told how his son, Richard, who became the youngest cornerman in Britain aged 17 ("we lied to get him his licence a year early") died aged 21, nine years ago, in a car crash. He hit a kerb, the car bounced, and hit an oncoming vehicle. He was killed instantly. Shannon visits his son's gravestone at a chapel in Greenfield every week. The funny thing is that I talk to Richard at his grave every week, and his words when he was alive have seemed so poignant. Richard was mature beyond his years. He'd always say, "Dad, you're a great trainer, have faith in your ability, just keep going, the reward will come with great boxers and world champions." I really do feel it was destiny for me to train Ricky for this fight. Ricky wants to redeem himself, I want to leave a legacy for the Shannon family. My father would have been a legend in this sport, and my son was ahead of his time. I feel it has fallen on me to get there for them. Critics may suggest that there is little Shannon can add to Hatton's armoury for this fight - given his age and his trademark bustling, aggressive style - but he revealed that some of the basics of defence have been returned to in training. "We've worked on systems of defence, just little things that Ricky is aware of," explained Shannon, who also runs a painting and decorating business, yet whose main occupation is changing lives with the smack of leather. Those last few hours as we count down to the fight are going to be a crucial time for Ricky, and it will be up to me to keep him calm and focused. So, too, when he walks to the ring," he visualised. The Manchester Arena has been his home venue, and 20,000 people will be screaming his name when he walks into that cauldron. He is going to be very emotional, and he will have thoughts in his head about the last time he walked to the ring all those things play on the mind of a fighter, and so I'm there to guide him through it. We have developed a great trust and relationship during this camp. I'm there for him whenever he needs me. We've done everything we could have. It's now redemption time for Ricky, and I hope we can shine together.