Hatton ready for some argy-bargy with Vliches

Ricky Hatton will make the 13th defence of his WBU world light-welterweight title against Argentinian Carlos Wilfredo Vilches next month.

The fight on June 12 at Manchester’s MEN Arena was confirmed this afternoon as promoters corrected an earlier announcement that Hatton was to take on Brazilian Antonio Mesquita.

Unbeaten Mesquita was merely one of the names in the frame as Hatton’s next opponent was lined up but organisers eventually reached agreement with 27-year-old Vilches.

“I am waiting for some more tapes on Vilches but from what I have seen so far he looks like a real tough nut as most of them are from South America,” Hatton said.

“The training is going fantastic at the moment and the sparring will start this week. I’m just looking forward to getting in the ring again and keeping busy.

“Hopefully I can get in another two fights before the end of the year.”

Vilches, from Santa Rosa, will go into the clash boasting a record of 41 wins, 25 by knockout, from his 48 fights.

He has held the South American and Argentine light-welterweight titles and has challenged for the WBO Latino welterweight title.

Hatton, who is undefeated in 35 fights with 25 knockouts, beat Dennis Holbaek Pedersen in his last fight in April after original opponent Kelson Pinto failed to travel.