Tsyzu match-up draws near for Hatton

Ricky Hatton remains on course to challenge Kostya Tszyu for the world light-welterweight title early next year.

Hatton’s promoter Frank Warren is convinced the fight will be made despite the champion apparently distancing himself from the prospect this week.

Tszyu retained his IBF version of his title with a crushing third-round stoppage of leading contender Sharmba Mitchell in Phoenix earlier this month.

And Warren has already opened talks with Tszyu’s contracted American television network Showtime about staging the bout – provided Hatton gets past Ray Oliviera on December 11.

Warren said: “I believe the fight will be made provided Ricky gets through his fight next month.

“Ricky is the mandatory challenger for Kostya’s title and we have worked very hard to get him into that position.

“The fight has to happen in the spring and I believe that it will happen.”

Tszyu suggested in the Australian media this week that his prime objective was a bout with WBC champion Arturo Gatti.

But that contest would hit a major stumbling block because Gatti is contracted to Showtime’s rivals Home Box Office.

Warren added: “I know for a fact that there is no way either of those TV companies will give up their rights to either fighter.”

Hatton admitted to being impressed with Tszyu’s comeback win after 22 months out with injuries.

But he said Tszyu’s quick victory had not knocked his desire to get in the ring with the in-form Australian champion.

Hatton said: “To fight like that after two years out with injuries proved without a doubt that Kostya is the man to beat.

“Kostya has got a murderous right hand but I have to say that Mitchell boxed completely the wrong fight and stood right in the firing line, which is like suicide against Tszyu.”