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Hatton to announce plans

05/01/2006

Ricky Hatton, the WBA and IBF light welterweight champion, will decide who to fight in 2006 this month, after being inundated with offers from America.

The Hitman is the flavour of the month in the USA after his bruising encounter with Colombian Carlos Maussa, which followed his brilliant performance against Kostya Tszyu.

Hatton is free to make deals with any of the mega-rich American promoters after falling out with Frank Warren.

A career making showdown with WBC light welterweight champ Floyd Mayweather is the biggest offer but it is likely that Hatton will face another opponent in the US earlier in the year before an autumn fight with Mayweather.

The most likely next bout will be against the Canadian Arturo Gatti, with former world champion turned promoter Oscar De La Hoya battling to sign the Manchester-born fighter.

Ricky's father Ray Hatton told the BBC: "Win or lose, America wants Hatton. The casinos have been calling us. They know he'll put bums on seats in Las Vegas, New York or Atlantic City.

"De la Hoya has a bid on the table and wants to work with us desperately. But there are lots of other offers to consider at light welterweight, welterweight or catchweight. They're not even bothered what titles he has around his waist."

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