You are in > manchester.com  > News > Hatton confirms warm-up shortlist

Boxing

Hatton confirms warm-up shortlist

18/01/2006

Ricky Hatton will be put through a money-spinning warm-up fight before he gets to take on number one target Floyd Mayweather, the Manchester Hitman has confirmed.

Hatton, the reigning IBF and WBA super lightweight champion, told BBC Radio Five Live today that his next fight will take place in America and will be against one of four possible fighters.

American Arturo Gatti, ranked seventh by the WBA, appears to be the most likely next foe, Hatton suggested, but the Brazilian lightweight Acelino Freitas, the WBO's number two ranked boxer, is also on the shortlist.

The American WBC and WBO lightweight champion Diego Corrales could also be lined up against Hatton as could the Mexican lightweight Jose Luis Castillo, currently ranked the number one contender by the WBC.

"I don't know who it will be yet, it is genuinely still being negotiated but I expect to know by the weekend," Hatton said.

The unbeaten British boxing sensation added that, providing he overcomes this fight, he will then certainly be given his dream super lightweight division unification bout against WBC champ Mayweather.

"As far as I'm concerned a fight with Floyd Mayweather is a done deal for this year," Hatton added.

"For those that believe Mayweather is not going to happen, I just look forward to proving them wrong as I did my doubters in 2005.

"The best is yet to come. I want the big fights, the unification bouts, and then maybe move up to capture a world title at another weight."

© Adfero Ltd