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World title on line for Hatton

10/05/2006

Ricky Hatton's showdown with Luis Collazo in the US this Saturday will be for the WBA welterweight title, promoter Dennis Hobson has vowed.

Concern had arisen that Manchester's Hitman, who had to relinquish his WBA light-welterweight title to make the step up, was not eligible to fight for the New Yorker's belt.

This was because Collazo had supposedly already reached agreement with German boxer Oktay Urkal to fight with the belt on the line.

But Hobson said: "We reached an understanding with Urkal's promoter and we've got the letter from the WBA confirming that Collazo v Hatton is for the world welterweight championship."

The news will come as a huge relief to Hatton who has to beat Collazo and claim the WBA welterweight title if he is to land his dream shot, a superfight against the undefeated Floyd Mayweather, the reigning IBF and IBO world welterweight champion.

Hatton is, as ever, supremely confident without being arrogant, that he can extend his winning run, and now he has received the backing of the sport's most powerful individual in Don King.

The legendary promoter believes Hatton has already proven his class and has the ability to conquer the world but has also urged him not to underestimate the steely Collazo.

"Ricky is a great fighter and he proved that when he kicked out Kostya Tszyu. He is a guy who has got to be reckoned with and I think Collazo will bring out the best in him," he said.

"Whatever the situation, the door is open for Ricky to go out and do what he can do. But Luis is ready for an exciting fight and he is ready to shock the world."

Collazo, a powerful southpaw from Brooklyn, has only lost once in his career and is determined to upset the bookies and stop Hatton.

"I'm no Kostya Tszyu - I'm slick and I've got fast hands and I do not believe Ricky Hatton has fought somebody of my calibre," he said.

"Ricky is talking about Mayweather and making plans but that is what I am known for - I am a show-stopper. He is fighting me right now and should not be worrying about anybody else."

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