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Boxing

Hatton gives up belt for Castillo

11/02/2007

Ricky Hatton has decided to relinquish his IBF light welterweight title to take on Mexican Jose Luis Castillo in a showdown of two of the best fighters in the division.

Hatton was forced to give up his belt after the IBF declared that he must take on mandatory challenger Lovemore N'dou.

But it was thought that the bout would not be attractive enough for the American TV network which shows Hatton's fights.

The Hitman reclaimed the title in January when he out-pointed Juan Urango but will now vacate the title once more as he chases his dream fight in Las Vegas.

Hatton's co-promoter, Dennis Hobson, said: "We informed the IBF by letter Friday night that we are moving on to the super fight with Castillo in June without the IBF title.

"This is a decision we'd have preferred not to have had to make, but, having thought long and hard about it, I believe this is the best way forward for Ricky."

Hobson said that the Manchester fighter was disappointed to have to hand back the title for a second time as he was very proud of holding the belt.

The promoter also claimed that there was little interest from N'dou's camp in arranging a fight for their challenger against Hatton, claiming he had not been contacted by N'dou's representatives all week.

Castillo is a multiple weight champion and has won 47 of 55 fights with seven losses in a 17-year career. Hatton is undefeated in 42 bouts since 1997.

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