Warren: Fight is on

Promoter Frank Warren insists Ricky Hatton will challenge world light-welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu in the spring – regardless of what the Russian boxer says.

Tszyu dismissed the prospect of a showdown with Hatton, claiming he has not agreed a deal to face the Manchester fighter and has options he considers more favourable.

But Hatton’s promoter Warren believes Tszyu’s reluctance may be a ploy to get more money.

“I haven’t spoken to Kostya Tszyu personally because it’s not my place to do that. That’s up to his promoter Vlad Wharton,” Warren told Radio Five Live.

“But the deal, as far as I understand it is done, as far as his promoter understands it is done, as far as Showtime understand it is done.

“Maybe Kostya Tszyu is trying to get a little bit more money from Vlad Wharton. I don’t know, but I can assure you this fight will happen and it will happen in the spring.”