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Hatton: Witter must wait

17/09/2006

Ricky Hatton has told newly-crowned WBC light welterweight champion Junior Witter he must wait to face him.

Witter claimed the vacant title with a unanimous points win over DeMarcus Corley in London on Friday and immediately set his sights on a fight with the Manchester-born 'Hitman'.

However, Hatton insisted that while he would be open to the idea, it was something that could not happen in the near future.

"It's a fight I'd like to happen, but it can't happen immediately," Hatton told the BBC.

"Junior has paid his dues and finally won a world title, and now he can focus on defending his belt and put a bit of money in the bank."

Hatton's next fight is for the IBF junior welterweight title against Juan Urango on January 13th as he continues his focus on conquering America.

However, the decision by Hatton to concentrate on the American market could see the potential bout come unstuck as it may not be attractive enough to TV companies.

"My next two fights are virtually done deals, but I could meet Junior down the line if he makes a couple of defences," Hatton added.

"I'll have to sit down and watch the tape though as I've heard it was a bit of a dull fight."

Hatton is currently concentrating on securing a fight with Mexican Jose Luis Castello, a contest which would attract a lot of attention around the world.

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